Class f" ^> \ -G 

Book 1 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK 



"THROUGH GREEN GLASSES'* 

Being a Historical Sketch of Legislatures 
of Florida for Thirty Years 
§ % By Pat Murphy 



Sketches also of Members and Other Interesting Matters 
Connected with the State s History 
and Government 



With Numerous Illustration 



Tallahassee, Florida 
T. J. Appleyard, Publish 
1917 




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/ 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK 

1917 



"THROUGH GREEN GLASSES" 

Being a Historical Sketch of Legislatures 
of Florida for Thirty Years 
By Pat Murphy 



Sketches also of Members and Other Interesting Matters 
Connected with the State's History 
and Government 



With Numerous illustrations 



Tallahassee, Florida 
T. j, Appleyard, Publisher 
1917 




EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT 
STATE OF FLORIDA. 

Tallahassee, May 18th., 1917. 

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN : 

This is to certify that I have known Mr. Pat Murphy, of Jacksonville, for 
two or three years. I have listened to him in his singing, which to my mind is 
very instructive and entertaining. He seems to be a gentleman with a great 
heart, as all Irish people have, and is friendly with everybody. I am sure 
that his desire is to be helpful to everj^one, and any courtesy or kindness shown 
to him by the readers of this letter will be appreciated' by me. 

Very respectfully and truly, ^ 

SIDNEY J. CATTS, 

Governor. 




By Pa* Murphy 




The readers of my book will see in advance that 
I am now properly in a melancholy condition as I 
take up my pen to give my political experiences as 
a "lobbyist," which I have been branded for many 
years in my adopted State — Florida. 

This is a dreary, bleak, cold winter's day at Tal- 
lahassee, the second day of February, 1916, and just 
yesterday was sunshine and ideal weather, and the 
weather is a great deal like a man's political life, 
one day it is sunshine and the next day it is sor- 
row! Jtieally, a man who has any sentiment in his 
make-up ought never to take a part in politics. He 
always is trying to help "he" or "she" out of trou- 
ble. The man most fitted for a political career is 
the man of matter and appetite. I have had ex- 
perience with both of those kinds of people. I came 
to Tallahassee in 1889 and was elected janitor of 
the Legislature, unfortunately for me in not getting 
a thorough education, being deprived from, partly, 
on account of a bad feeling against my religion. In 
the North of Ireland, where 1 was born, where I was 
confronted with that feeling, my teachers overlooked 
me, which is a very unfortunate thing for anyone, 
more especially a man who is gifted with some tal- 
ent. I really thought that I was in Ireland when I 
looked in the faces of the good people in Tallahassee. 
Those were happy days, and I won my way by being 
a good singer, ever ready to be a servant or a friend 
to any and all of my friends. 

I came here from Jacksonville. I knew some of 
the members. Among them were Mr. Frank Clark, a 
gentleman by the name of Mr. Bill Norwood, and 
Hon. Peter O. Knight, and several others. Norwood 
told me in Jacksonville on his way to Tallahassee 
that he would get me a position if I would come up 
there, and when the name of Pat Murphy, a Dem- 
ocrat, was mentioned for janitor, I found that I had 
more friends than I ever thought 1 had before. I 
will have to mention the names, in order to get this 
book right, which I hope none of my friends will 
take any offense at. I met the Hon. Frank Clark at 
Bartow, Florida, practicing law. I was then what is 
known to the people of the State as an "Irish ped- 
dler," and, being a good "booster," I at many times 
spoke to the people about Mr. Clark. I met the Hon. 
Peter O. Knight at Fort Myers, Florida, where he 
was then practicing law, and I never will forget 
what he said to me. He said: "I want to have a 
talk with you after supper," and we went down the 
streets of that little hamlet, twenty-seven years ago, 
and this is what he said : 

"I am glad to meet a man like you. I am from 
Pennsylvania; I am a lawyer, and there is not 
enough practice here for me, and I want you to tell 
me if you know of any feeling against a man be- 
cause he is from the North among these people , 
here." 

I said : "Why do you ask me?" 

He said : "I want to run for the Legislature, and 



my best friends here, whom I thought would sup- 
port me, have discouraged me." 

I said : "I have been many years among those 
people; I have never heard them say anything about 
a man from the North, or from anywhere else. They 
are certainly good people ; go and run for the Legis- 
lature. I will make a house-to-house canvass for 
you, and your many friends and myself will help 
you." 

He smiled in his usual way, and the next time I 
found him he was here at Tallahassee, a member of 
that session from Lee county. 

-The reason that I dwell upon this man's brilliant 
career is because he was the most boyish looking 
man I ever saw; so much so, when the organization 
was going on, the little fellows who were running 
for page thought he was running for the same posi- 
. tion, and one boy said to him : "If you get your 
member to vote for me, I will get my member to 
vote for you." He looked at the boy and laughed, 
and said : "I am a member of the Legislature," and 
he was one of the many who tried to make life worth 
living, and was always trying to make everything 
pleasant for everybody. 

My two members from my county were Scott and 
Lewis, both colored, and my State Senator, a prom 
-inent banker at that time, and a white man by the 
name of Shoemaker, a Republican. Those two 
darkeys certainly looked strange to me, among so 
many bright people, and they were Republicans, too. 
They were treated equally as good as if they had 
been Democrats. I gave them special attention, 
thinking that they might feel that there was some 
hard, bad feeling against them, but there was not. 
There was nothing but good feeling and humour in 
tbat session. There was a gentleman by the name 
of Mr. Shine (known as "Long Tom"), a member 
from Orange County, who was a great admirer of 
the Irish, and I thought a great deal of Mr. Shine. 
He was looked upon in the Legislature as a giant 
in size and a giant in political matters. I remember 
that he notified the House that he, on a certain 
day, would make a set speech. The House was 
crowded and the desks were full of flowers. I went 
over to the corner of the Legislature where Mr. 
Knight sat, and he had piled up a lot of broken 
chairs and tied a string to them leading to his desk. 
I started to loosen the string, and he looked at me 
very abruptly, and said: "Leave that alone!" When 
my friend Shine was telling the people all about it, 
Peter pulled the string and you would have thought 
that the house had fallen down ! Shine looked over 
his glasses across the floor and said : "'I can't see 
you, damn you; but I know you are there!" (Mr. 
Knight was hiding behind his desk). That is one 
of the many instances of good humour that hap- 
pened during the session. 

But, realy, what some of my readers expect for 
me to tell in this book is how money was used and 



6 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



who got it for special legislation, and you could not 
today make some of the people of this State believe 
that everybody, more or less, was not for sale, and 
that is a great mistake. Now, I know what I have 
seen, and know what I am taking about. In the 
elcetion of Senator Call at the following session, 1 
took an active part to help him. The people who 
knew him probably better than myself, knew that he 
was a man who had never accumulated any money, 
so, to tell you how money was used to help him, it 
was done in the way of giving little entertainments 
by his friends to make things pleasant for his re- 
election. The opposition to Mr. Call was somewhat 
from a feeling of corporations, some of them, be- 
cause he had been there so long and done so little, 
and there were other ambitious men who wanted his 
position, some of them being his friends. I never 
will forget how I "spun 'round" for him. I had a 
promise from him and his friends that if I would 
come to Washington he would get me a position ; 
and I went to Washington. On my way there I 
met a personal friend of mine in Savannah, Colonel 
John A. Henderson. He was the greatest lawyer 
in Florida. He said : "Where are you going?" 

I told him I was going to Washington to get a 
position from Senator Call in Congress, and he said : 
"Murphy, he will never do anything for you. He 
belongs to the 'Know Nothing' party, and he does 
not like your kind of people,' " and that was the 
truest thing he ever said. It was cold weather in 
winter in Washington when I got there, and Sen- 
ator Call treated me cold. 

I met Mr. Mallory and a Mr. Bullock, members 
from Florida, and tney said: "Murphy, we would 
like to do something for you, but you got here late, 
the positions are all given away ; believe me, Florida 
doesn't get very much." But I found a position for 
myself in the House of Representatives. When 1 
"got onto the ropes," (in the language of the sailor, 
as I am), of knowing how to get around in Wash- 
ington, I went to the head doorkeeper's office of 
Congress, Mr. Charles Turner, from New York, a 
Tammany Hall man, and asked him for a position, 
and said to him : "My name is Murphy ; I am from 
Florida ; both of my members will endorse me for 
a position." 

He said: "My Mend, I have nothing I can give 
you." I said : "You sure have ; you have a labor- 
er's position that you promised to a colored man, 
and I want you to give it to me. I take my hat off 
when I come in here to talk to you as a Democrat, 
and you allow that negro to sit there with his hat 
on and promise to feed him, and see ine go hungry. 
If Mr. Bullock doesn't endorse me for this position, 
I will go home to Florida and tell the people the 
way a good Democrat is treated when he is looking 
for something to do," and I got the position, and 
I was there during the Fifty-second Congress and 
the Fifty-third, and now, I want to tell you, that 
Florida never got its share of positions in Wash- 
ington in any branch of the Government. 

I have promised to say something in my book 
about the removal of the United States Judge by 
the name of Swayne. Mr. Cooper was elected to 
the Fifty-third Congress and he didn't like Swayne, 
for his unfair rulings on Florida, and Mr. Cooper 
introduced a bill to re-district the State and have 



Swayne moved into another district, and I was glad 
to help Mr. Cooper. The bill stood a good show to 
pass the House, and Senator Call made an effort to 
hold it up in the Senate, and he sent for Swayne's 
friends to come there. Among those gentlemen was 
Swayne himself, Philip Walter, Owen Somers and 
Gad Bryant, all together in the St. James Hotel on 
Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, and I was 
across the Avenue in the National Hotel, and I saw 
them and went over and talked to them. They said, 
"Murphy, we are glad to meet you." Swayne said 
to me, "I will give you flOO if you will go to 
Charlie Cooper's hotel and tell him that we are 
here, and if he will hold his bill up that removes 
me, we will be his political friends forever." 

I said: "Wait a minute; I will be back here." 

It was late at night, and I went to Mr. Cooper's 
hotel, corner of Eighteenth street — and walked all 
the way, too. He had retired. 

Now, you have to be very particular in Washing- 
ton and know how to reach a prominent man or you 
won't get to see him. I walked up to a sleepy-look- 
ing clerk that sat at the desk in the hotel about half 
past eleven, or along there, and said: "Is there a 
gentleman here by the name of Mr. Cooper from 
Florida?" He said' "Yes, sir." I said: "I am 
from New York, and I would like to see him," and 
he said, "Give me your card." I said, "Pardon me, 
but I have given them all away," when my friend, 
Mr. Cooper, in the language of the sailor, "hove in 
sight," and when I told him the bad news he col- 
lapsed. 

He said: "What shall I do?" I said: "Come with 
me and I will show you what to do," and he walked 
to the Western Union office, several blocks away. 
Now, I said, "Write this telegram that I want to 
dictate," and he wrote a telegram to Mr. J. M. Barrs 
to come to Washington. I said: "Put him on the 
floor of the Senate and make Senator Call swaJow 
his nu'dicine"; and that is how we got rid of Judge 
Swayne. 

Now you see that I was getting to be quite a fac- 
tor in politics, but, like everybody else, if they told 
the truth, I loved revenge. I wanted to get rid of 
Swayne. 

Speaking of Colonel Henderson, who was a corpo- 
ration lawyer, and I had done many political favors 
for him. While I never was an out-and-out marked 
"corporation lobbyist - ' (that I have been called), I 
knew how to divide myself up to get on the winning 
side. I would rather agree with a man than lose 
an argument, and Colonel Henderson said that was 
a "winning feature" in me. I cannot say too much 
about this man in a good way. I have never met 
anyone who could predict things like he could. I 
look an active part again in defeating Call when he 
ran for the Senate at another session of the Legis- 
lature, and I knew that he was going to be defeated. 
His friends had stood by him so long and he had 
done so little for them they were willing, some of 
them, to try to get his position themselves, and 
among them was Mr. John N. C. Stockton. I told 
Call in the early part of the fight that Mr. Stockton 
would be a candidate against him and he would 
not believe me, but it was so, and the election re- 
sulted in electing Mr. Stephen R. Mallory, through 



/ 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



7 



the influence of Mr. John N. C. Stockton and Mal- 
lory's friends. 

I have promised to say something of what Mr. 
Flagler did for Florida, but so much has been 
said* about that great man that will be long 
remembered, that I lack for words to say any- 
thing about the many great things he did. 
But I want to say the best I can what Florida 
and Florida's people did for Mr. Flagler, and I 
happened to be one of them, and there were many 
others, and I knew that he personally appreciated 
it. The many good friends that Mr. Flagler had 
here in this State are too numerous to mention. Of 
course, there always has been a sort of feeling 
against corporations in Florida, and, he, being 
known as one of "that kind" of men, there was some 
feeling against the way in which his officials asked 
for things. I happened to be one who asked Mr. 
Flagler, through a friend of mine, for a small favor. 
Had it been larger I could have gotten it. I never 
will forget it, and he was glad that I appreciated it. 
Another friend of mine who did something for Mr. 
Flagler that was worth something, and got nothing 
for it, and didn't ask anything for it, was Governor 
Broward. He made the speech that passed the bill 
in the Legislature that gave Mr. Flagler the right 
to get married again, and did it without cost. An- 
other friend of his, who managed his political af- 
fairs in a way, was Major Healy. That was a man 
Avho was worth following in politics, if you wanted 
to be on the winning side. Now let me tell you, my 
good people, that you are laboring under a great 
mistake if you believe that Mr. Flagler ever asked 
for this divorce bill, or that he was willing for one 
dollar to be paid* to secure its passage, and men like 
Mr. Broward thought he was entitled to it, and 
worked for it for him without cost. I would not sit 
here and lie or write this book to get a dollar of 
your money and try to make you believe that there 
was not money spent for this great work, like there 
has been for other special legislation. 

Pretty nearly everybody in this word is "looking 
for something, when they do something for some- 
body else." Now, here is an instance, in one of the 
Call fights, that is worth listening to, and this will 
cite you to the average member who comes from 
the country. He is always of the opinion, more 
or less, that something is going wrong, and some of 
them, or the greater part of them, are looking for 
their part of it. 

I was on my way to the Capitol one night during 
the heat of this Call fight, when a member stopped 
me and said : "Pat, I am still voting for Call," and 
I said, "Sure." The opposition had been getting 
away some of our strength, and he thought he was 
missing something. He said: "Call always treats 
a Floridian good when he comes to Washington," 
and I said, "He sure does." "Well," he says, "I will 
still vote for him," and that is what he said before 
he cast his vote that night. Everybody wants to 
make a speech before they cast their vote. He said : 
"Mr. Speaker, I cannot see any reasons, as yet, why 
I should not vote for Senator Call." My good friend, 
Glover RaAvls, who was doing all he could to defeat 
Call, says: "Murphy, you are going to lose him," 
and the next night he voted against him. 

I do not mean to dwell upon this particular ques- 



tion, for it has been threshed out, but the fight was 
so fierce, in order to prevent him from being elected, 
that the opposition Senators to Mr. Call, through 
the night, hitched up all the ox teams and buggies 
they could get and went across the Georgia line to 
Thomasville, but when they came back they found 
Senator Call elected. The Hon. Jeff Brown (Call's 
fast friend), President of the Senate, in joint ses- 
sion of both Houses, declared that there was a quo- 
rum present at the hour of 12 o'clock the next day 
and declared Senator Call elected — a high-handed 
proceeding. Mr. Brown surely elected Call. 

There was another interesting bill that came up 
in another session later on during my twenty years' 
experience, called "Removal of the State Capitol." 
It was thought by many that it was a long way to 
Tallahassee, and that it would be best to move the 
Capital to a central part of the State. I took a part 
to keep the Capital where it is, at Tallahassee, and 
you will find an article on that question in my book. 
There was where some money was spent in a small 
way, and there was not much said about it, be- 
cause it takes money to run politics. 

Let me tell you something about Mr. Broward 
and how he managed to "get by." I knew him when 
he was Sheriff of Duval county at (Jacksonville). 
He then led a faction known as the "Stockton" fac- 
tion, or he was trying to lead it. His friends would 
"build him up" one day and try to "pull him down" 
the next. I was janitor at the courthouse in Jack- 
sonville, and political affairs got so hot that a duel 
was to be fought between two newspaper men. This 
agitation was brought about by one faction against 
another. One of these men was on the ground and 
the other was on the way out when a Catholic priest, 
the Rev. Father Kenney, loved by all denominations 
and all of the people of Jacksonville, came to the 
courthouse to hunt the sheriff to stop the fight. I 
found the sheriff and told him the priest was look- 
ing for him to stop the duel. 

He was as cool about it as he was in everything 
else, and he got there in time. It is really disagree- 
able for me to mention disagreeable things, but 1 
really believe that between Call and the opposition 
to Call, and this thing known to us as a primary, 
it has left a bad feeling toward what I believe is 
good Democracy. 

Now, I would like to mention some of my friends 
who did something to make everybody feel that they 
were really in their greatest God-given State in the 
world, and that is the late Governor Bloxham, who 
never will be forgotten, and the Hon. James P. Tal- 
liaferro, ex-United States Senator, who really did 
something for Florida; Broward, Jennings, Mitch- 
ell, Crawford, and many others who will all be long 
remembered, no matter about their "isms." 

I want to go back again and tell you about a man 
who could make fun at a funeral. His name is 
Spotswood. He was really a main feature in every- 
thing: a story-teller, a mischief-maker, and could 
always predict which side was going to win. I 
never will forget a local bill offered by the member 
from Hillsborough county in another session of 
the Legislature later on. It was a bill to take away 
a suburb of Tampa, known as Fort Brooks, belong- 
ing to a gentleman named Leslie, and a suburb 
^called West Tampa, belonging to the Hon Hugh C. 



8 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



McFarland, attorney-at-law, and join them on to 
the Greater Tampa. That was an interesting fight, 
that really did cost some money. Now, I want it to 
be understood, in speaking of money, no matter 
how much I say about it, I was never known in my 
life to try to pass money to any member, only on 
this particular occasion. I was innocent of what I 
was doing, and Spotswood stopped me. Both sides 
had money, but this was an interesting fight. Cap- 
tain Leslie, who will be long remembered by every 
good citizen of Tampa, was the man who bore the 
brunt of it. To take this property away from this 
man and McFarland meant that it left them poor, 
especially Mr. Leslie. 

Now here is where Colonel Henderson comes in 
again. He said: 'Murphy, I want you to help a 
friend of mine by the name of Captain Leslie, and 
you know how to do it. Get around among your 
friends and see that they do not rob this friend of 
mine." 

He was my friend. The fight went on. I thought 
a friend of ours was going to vote against us, and 
he did, and I got $100 to give to him, but I met 
Spotswood, and told him what I was going to do. 
He said, "Don't you ever do it; if you ever try to 
pass anybody any money for their vote, especially a 
man like him, who doesn't like a man like you 
because you are Irish, he will put you in jail." I 
understand from Captain Leslie that he had been 
his friend all his life, but he went back on us. 

There came an occasion when Captain Leslie 
thought he was going to lose the bill; some of his 
friends had talked it almost to death ; and he came 
to me and said : "Murphy, what will I do?" I said, 
"Come with me and I will show you," and I led him 
to the monument of Parkhill in the Capitol yard, 
and said : "Leslie, dig up the bones of this dead 
man and tell them how you fight side by side when 
men were needed; appeal to the sympathy of the 
committee and you will get a favorable report. He 
did this, and we got a favorable report, and beat 
the bill. There was in charge of the bill on our 
side Mr. Ed Triay and a few men like him, and we 
were well organized. The opposition was led by 
Tom Palmer, a prominent lawyer of Tampa — a 
"hard nut to crack." There was, at one time, when 
the bill was coming up on its final passage, Gover- 
nor Jennings' secretary,: Charles Dickerson, who 
was working against the bill in a quiet way. I saw 
Dickerson working against us. I went to Colonel 
Henderson (he being in the Capitol yard at the 
time) , and told him what was going on, and he sent 
me to stop it; he told me to go and tell Jennings. 
Now, you could always approach Jennings, and I 
told him that his private secretary was out lobby- 
ing against Colonel Leslie and that the bill was 
coming up on its final passage. He said : "Go and 
tell him to come in here and stay at his desk; T 
don't want him out there." I always like to have 
Jennings on my side when I wanted to win. 

I want to say something more about Mr. Broward 
when he ran for Governor, and what he said, and 
ho did. He was a man of no secrets, and he 
was always willing to tell you how he did things. 
I was going out to Fairfield, in Jacksonville, on a 
Bay street car one day when a big, warm hand was 
rested over my shoulder, and I looked around, and 



it was Mr. Broward that sat behind me in the car. 
He said : "How do you like the way that I 'boxed 
the compass' to the people in the country on my 
campaign." That being a sailor phrase, I thor- 
oughly understood him. I said, "How you did it 
was a mystery to me." He said : "When I met men 
who were going to vote for me for Governor I 
thanked them. I had my own 'skillet to tote,' " and 
he sure toted it. Now, do you see that everybody 
totes his own skillet in politics, pretty much? 

I was really astonished in a way when I heard 
him say it, but he sure was a winner among the 
country people. 

I am trying to keep from saying disagreeable 
things in my book, especially about the dead, but 
there was one feature about Mr. Broward that was 
to be admired. He was irrepressible. He could go 
ahead with money, and he could go ahead without 
money. I hope that I will be able to complete some- 
thing that is worth reading. 

I now recall as I continue in my conversation, as 
I compile this book, that I was a delegate to the 
Congressional Convention at Palatka, that nominat- 
ed Mr. Charlie Cooper for the second term as Con- 
gressman. Now, this was when I really thought I 
was somebody. As I said before, I had a laborer's 
position in Congress, and I knew that there was 
some political animosity against Mr. Cooper, and in 
order to pay him back for what he had done for me, 
in holding my position for me, I paid my way from 
Washington to Jacksonville, and, as I said before, 
was elected and became a delegate to this conven- 
tion. You can take it from me, that he was among 
the brightest men that Congress Had, and a credit 
to Florida. 

I want to say something of what the Democratic 
party has done for me and why I have become a 
Democrat. * I had just come into the years of man- 
hood when I came to Florida ; I did not know the 
difference between a Bepublican and Democrat. 
There was an election for mayor of the City of 
Jacksonville, and a countryman of mine by the name 
of Pat McMurray, a Republican, was running 
against a Democrat by the name of Dancy, and, of 
course, my countryman appealed to me to vote for 
him. He took me to the courthouse and I went 
through the formalities that made me an American 
citizen. I went to the polls to vote for McMurray 
and I was challenged by a negro. These were hot 
days in Jacksonville. Dr. Dancy came to me and 
said: "I'm glad you did not vote the Bepublican 
ticket; you belong to the side I belong to." And 
it don't take a white man long in Florida, or, at 
least, it did not in those days, to find out that he 
ought to be a Democrat. Now this is what the Dem- 
ocratic party has done for me, as I said before. They 
made me janitor of the Florida Legislature at Tal- 
lahassee; 'they kept me in Congress for two terms 
as an attache; they appointed me assistant door- 
keeper of the Convention that nominated Mr. Cleve- 
land at Chicago: assistant doorkeeper of the Con- 
vention that nominated Parker at St. Louis; assist- 
ant doorkeeper of the Convention that nominated 
Bryan at Denver; assistant doorkeeper of the Con- 
vention that nominated Wilson at Baltimore; and I 
was a delegate at large to the Convention that nom- 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



9 



inated Wilson at St. Louis. I ran for delegate to 
the Convention that nominated Bryan at Denver 
in my, the Fourth District, and I got ten thousand 
votes, lacking one hundred votes of being elected; 
so I feel highly honored and much obliged to the 
Democracy of Florida for its kindness to me. Yet 
there are many things that I have done in a politi- 
cal way for many of my friends, and probably they 
could have done more for me, but, .that is the "ups 
and downs" with a man who .spars with his brain in 
politics instead of making his living with his muscle. 
And now it makes me think of the past and the 
many faces that I miss that are dead and gone. For 
instance, there is Mr. Chipley. I was thoroughly 
misunderstood by Mr. Chipley, as often, men mis- 
understand each other. I went to Pensacola to look 
for work at my trade as a plumber, and I had a let- 
ter of introduction to Mr. Chipley from my friend 
Dan Crawley, manager of the Western U/nion. This 
man Crawley is one that will be long remembered 
bv his friends for what he did for his friends po- 
litically. Those that knew Mr. Chipley better than 
I did, were thoroughly out in saying that he was 
a kind, good-natured, ambitious man. He was then 
a candidate for the United States Senate against 
Mr. Call, and, had his friends centered their strength 
on him, he would have been elected. This remark 
I made to one of his friends by the name of Ed 
O'Brien, and he, naturally, thought that I was 
against Chipley. T was notified to get out of Pensa- 
cola, as they took me for a spy. I went to Chipley 
for transportation back home again, and he refused 
to give it to me. I caught a schooner and came to 
Apalachicola. Being a sailor I knew how to work 
my way. I told my troubles when I srot to Talla- 
hassee to Judge Raney, and he said : "Murphy, you 
have made a naval movement on them." Now, here 
is where a politician is never above suspicion. 
Things were disagreeable around here at that time. 
The United States Marshal Mizell. Republican, with 
two deputies was here. I knew Mizell. and, while 
my friends, some of them, saw me with him. they 
thought that I was here helping to arrest some of 
the people that were indicted by the Federal author- 
ities for political fraud. Mizell asked me to go 
notify his two deputies that were hiding out, and 
I told him I wouldn't do it. That night a posse of 
men came to my boarding house to run me out of 
town. Governor Fleming vouched for me and gave 
me transportation to Jacksonville. No matter how 
much sunshine there is in political life, it is so bur- 
dened with sorrow and disappointments that you 
feel, when you are on the downward grade, that 
those you helped are the last ones to try to help you. 

In speaking of two darkies that were in the Leg- 
islature while I was janitor, John R. Scott and H. 
Lewis, of Duval County, I have to tell of something 
that was rather peculiar. There came into the 
House of Representatives a colored man and a col- 
ored girl. I think this was understood by Scott 
and Lewis to bring these people up there to see how 
the white people would treat them, and Scott offered 
a resolution to extend the courtesies of the floor to 
these friends of his. I immediately got two chairs 
and asked them to sit down. The House had ex- 
tended the courtesies of the floor to them. My 
friend, Tom Shine, of Orange, immediately made a 



motion to adjourn, and said: "Shut the door; I am 
going to drop that Irishman out of the window !" 
He said to me: "Murphy, how dare you give those 
people a chair?" The Speaker of the House took 
my part, and said: "You had no business extend- 
ing the courtesies of the floor to them!" The Ser- 
geant-at-Arms said. "I am glad Murphy gave them 
a chair," it being the Sergeant-at-Arms' duty to do 
so, and he didn't want to do it. All went well dur- 
ing that session with those two darkeys from Jack- 
sonville until the best people of that town brought 
up a bill, called House Bill No. 4, which changed 
the situation of the city government from the 
negroes to the white people. I remember that bill. 
I sure fought to pass that bill. Although I was 
confronted by some good Democrats that did not 
want it. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, when one 
little faction wants one kind of law, the other fac- 
tion is opposed to it. I was rewarded for my work 
and became a policeman. That uniform and that 
authority never gave me the big head, for I was two 
years on the force and never made an arrest. So 
ever since that bill, Jacksonville has become the 
white man's town, not only for an alien like me, 
but for every good citizen, no matter where he comes 
from. But we still have the "isms" ; the little fac- 
tion feelings that put a blight upon the Democracy 
of this State, brought around by the fellow who 
wanted somebody turned out in order that he could 
get his job. I have said something about "Babes in 
the Woods." They were called the "Babes in the 
Woods" because they left Tallahassee to try to pre- 
vent the election of Senator Call. I never will for- 
get that night. My friend Ed Triay was the general 
utility man during those days, and he hired every ox 
team and buggy and started them on their way re- 
joicing to Thomasville. Among those men were 
some of the brainiest in the State. But, like my- 
self, in a way, they were pulling the chestnuts out 
of the fire for somebody else, and yet some among 
them would have been an honor to represent this 
State in the United States Senate in preference to 
the ones the people got. Now, it is not becoming 
of me to say anything disagreeable about those that 
are dead and gone, but in order to tell and write 
this book, I am telling how it happened, and what I 
thought of it. Political disappointments to some 
men is awfully hitter. I believe it hurried the death 
of John Dunn and Colonel Chipley. Speaking of 
John Dunn, he wasn't a man merely made up of 
matter and appetite, but one that had the welfare 
of the State at heart, and a kind feeling for his 
fellow man. I never will forget one instance that 
happened in Jacksonville in the Aragon Hotel when 
Mr. Dunn with his political friends had met there 
to plan for his election against Mr. Call. They 
were in a caucus in a room. A gentleman by the 
name of Strozier, a friend of Mr. Dunn's, came to 
me and said : "Murphy, I want to see Mr. Dunn." 
Mr. Geo. Wilson, the editor of the Times-Union, 
told him that I said Mr. Strozier wanted to see him 
and to be very careful of what he said in the caucus, 
that there were some people eavesdropping, and my 
friend, Chas. Dougherty, took it for granted that I 
was one of the eavesdroppers. Now, here is where 
the Irish comes in again. Dougherty was a candi- 
date himself. Those gentlemen showed Mr. Dunn 



2— P. M. B. 



10 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



that he could not be elected. Dougherty was bal- 
loted for, but never showed any strength. 

Now, let me tell you about my friend, Chas. 
Dougherty. I walked twenty odd miles to vote for 
Dougherty; first, he was a Democrat; and, second, 
his name was Dougherty. I remember when he was 
first a Candida te ! he ran against a gentleman by 
the name of Bisbee, a Bepublican, and all the good 
white Democrats put their shoulder to the wheel, 
spent their time and their money to elect him. I, 
myself, hired a boat at Palm Beach, known as "Lake 
Worth," and went down to the outside of Miami in 
the Atlantic Ocean at the risk of my life to notify 
the Democrats there that the election would be 
close and to not let the Bepublicans steal the re- 
turns. This I did at the suggestion of Mr. Dough- 
erty, and Dougherty was elected. Now, the way to 
get at what men do for their State when they are 
elected by the people, is to search their records. 
Dougherty was a bright fellow. 

Something must be said right here by me for the 
grand old hero General Bullock. He gave pretty 
near his whole attention for the passage of the 
Wailes claim, which gave Florida what was due her 
by the general government. Now since I have been 
here I have been asked a good many things about 
the Wailes claim, and was asked to put nothing in 
my book about it. I knew Colonel Wailes in Wash- 
ington. I knew, through Colonel Henderso, that 
he had a contract from the State to get the State 
this money, and I helped him. I am not here as a 
citizen of the State to say whether he was entitled 
to the full amount or not, but what the State gave 
him as part payment was an acknowledgment of the 
debt, the Legislature allowing him a certain amount 
for his work, but did not give him the full amount 
he claimed. This broke his heart, and the State 
bears the blame. 

Now, speaking of Mr. Mallory, who is dead, he 
was a typical Southern gentleman, and really worth 
talking about. Mr. Mallory was looked upon in 
Congress and in the U. S. Senate, as one of the 
brightest men Congress had. As I say, he was a 
typical Southern gentleman, ever willing to help a 
friend, and highly honored by those who knew him. 
This, what I say about him, I know to be true. 

Now, as I go along in my remarks, I fancy I 
hear somebody playing the piano in the Leon Hotel. 
Somebody is singing. Somebody is saying a kind 
word. I mean that this was in my early days, and 
I am willing to say had we stuck to the Convention 
system, that kind of a feeling would have remained 
with us now. While it may be true that the primary 
is a good system, it lets down the gap for men for 
high honors, that couldn't get by in a convention. 

I hope the reader of this book will not be disap- 
pointed. I hope you won't say, "Murphy, what be- 
come of the dough-bag?" I never was known to 
betray a trust, and if there has been any dough- 
bags, some of these people that talk about it and try 
to shift the blame over on the other fellow, I know 
that he got part of it. 

I remember one time in the Legislature, when 
passes were plentiful, some fellow that did not get 
any was always making a fuss about the other fel- 
low getting the pass. I remember when Frank 
Clark offered a resolution in the Legislature to have 



the Sergeant-at-Arms search the members for passes. 
A member called Riley Johnstone, a one-armed Con- 
federate soldier, and the best specimen of a "Flor- 
ida Cracker" I have ever met, in principal, rose up 
and said: "My God, Frank Clark, don't let that 
resolution go through!" And he immediately dug 
down and unloaded himself with his one arm, and 
when I was cleaning up the House I found a hat 
full of passes. Now one would think that passes 
from the railroad had been given to influence a man 
to vote, but they were not. These were the days 
when Democrats agreed among each other on every- 
thing, but of course, there were some men that didn't 
get them, and, properly, were a little disappointed 
because the other fellow got them. They were a 
great advantage to newspaper men. Railroads could 
pay newspaper men by giving them transportation 
for putting their schedules in their county papers. 
It was an advantage to the country people to have 
their schedules in their county papers. A politician 
who wanted to get into office would use this as a 
lever. It doesn't take much of a disagreeable story 
to change the opinion of the country voter, and that 
was one of the ways in which he made his point. 

Someone is going to write an article for me to 
put in my book about the Everglades. Didn't we all 
understand when Mr. Broward talked about the 
Everglades in his little book, when he ran for Gov- 
ernor, that the lands would be opened to home- 
steaders? Lots of people voted for him on that. I 
was really amused at a friend of mine at Cocoa on 
the Indian River, a doctor, who said: "I would 
rather vote for Mr. Taliferro, but Mr. Broward is 
going to open this land to homesteaders, and I want 
160 acres of that good land." I think it was an 
unfortunate thing for Florida to ever bring the 
Everglades question into politics. 

I really thought that I had completed my book, 
but as this is Sunday, and Sunday brings you 
thoughts that are good and holy, I met a friend of 
mine, a lawyer, Mr. Fred T. Myers. And just to 
show you how kind it was for him to mention some- 
thing of the past, he said : "Murphy, you are going 
to say something, I hope, about the time you sang 
over the graves of our Confederate dead out yonder 
in the graveyard during the memorial services." I 
said, "Yes, I am much obliged to you for speaking 
of that occasion, because it was an honor, and some- 
thing I did not think the good ladies of Tallahassee 
would ask me to do." And while I will not mention 
any names of those good women, for some are dead, 
I shall never forget them. 

Memorial services in this pretty little town of 
Tallahassee, comes in the month of April, when 
nature puts forth its blossoms ; and it is really worth 
the seeing. The choir of the church assembles in 
the shade of the spreading oaks, the minister ascends 
the rostrum, the organ is brought there and the 
voices ring through the air that would open the 
veins of hearts like mine. And thoughts would 
come to you, and the tears would begin to flow. 

As I said before, I was a good singer. I stood at 
the head of the graves, and I sang "Flee As a Bird 
to Yon Mountain," and another appropriate hymn 
called "The Battle Prayer." I could hear the echo 
of my voice as it rang through that lonely grave- 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 11 



yard, and my many friends did not forget to thank 
me. I have sang on many occasions, but when I 
think of this, now in my advanced years, this is 
truly one that makes me feel glad, and thank God 



that I have included the memory of this occasion, 
this lovely Memorial Day, 37 years ago, among the 
many things that I have said in my book. 
This is the end of my story. 



When the Civil War was closed, Florida was 
without a government. On Julv_13, 1865, President 
Johnson appointed William ^Ly^ojC as Provisional 
Governor. The new executive issued a proclama- 
tion calling an election for members of a conven- 
tion to amend the Constitution to meet changed 
conditions. No one was allowed to participate ex- 
cept persons qualified to vote prior to January 10, 
1861. This excluded negroes. The qualified elec- 
tors numbered 8,512, of whom 6,707 voted. The 
convention met October 25, 1865, and Hon. E. D. 
Tracy, of Nassau county, was elected president. 
Delegates were present from thirty-nine counties. 
Governor Marvin was not friendly to negro suff- 
rage, and this produced much feeling among the 
negro troops, as they constituted a portion of the 
Federal troops under arms in the State. 

The convention was in session for twelve days, 
but its Constitution was not submitted to public 
ratification. Three weeks after the close of the con- 
vention an election for State officers and members 
of the Legislature was held. D. S. Walker, an old- 
line Whig, was by common consent elected Gover- 
nor, receiving 5,873 votes, only eight votes being 
cast against him, and W. W. J. Kelly, who received 
2,473 votes, was elected Lieutenant Governor. 

The Legislature met on December 18, 1865, and 
J. J. Williams was elected Speaker. Negro troops 
were present at the inauguration of the Governor, 
and caused some feeling. The Legislature enacted a 
series of laws, but no provision was made for negro 
franchise. 

The administration of Governor Walker lasted 
two years, and between the Freedmen's Bureau, 
charged with the paternal care of the negroes, and 
the military authorities exercising a supervisory 
control over the general conduct of affairs, the ad- 
ministration was little more than quasi-civil, yet 
he did all that was possible to maintain law and 
order. In 1866 it was believed by the negroes that 
they had been enfranchised, and at a meeting in Tal- 
lahassee, Joseph E. Oats, a former slave of Governor 
Walker, was chosen Congressman, and money was 
contributed to send him to Washington. After an 
absence for a time he returned and reported at a 
picnic party held at Houston's Spring, near Talla- 
hassee, of his labors at Washington. It is not be- 
lieved that he went farther than Savannah, where 
he spent the money contributed by his followers. 

During Walker's administration the freedmen 
speculated a good deal over what the Government 
would do for them in regard to farms. A man by 
the name of Stonelake, who was Kegister of the 
United States Land Office at Tallahassee, issued 
thousands of certificates purporting to give titles to 



lands, for which he charged $5 each, or as much 
more as he could get. Supplies sent to the agents 
of the Freedmen's Bureau in the various towns of 
the State were sold or appropriated. In the mean- 
time a secret society, known as the Lincoln Brother- 
hood, engineered by white carpet-baggers, was or- 
ganized. This was followed by another organiza- 
tion, known as "The Loyal League of America," 
which contested for leadership, which resulted in 
more spoils from the negro Republicans and their 
white leaders, who enjoyed the income from initia- 
tion and membership fees. During this period, as 
a negro expressed it, the "bottom was on top," 
backed as the negroes were by the Federal troops. 

The adoption of the Fifteenth Amendment to the 
Constitution necessitated the calling of a a new 
Constitutional Convention. The election was under 
military supervision, the State having been divided 
into nineteen election districts, with but one polling 
place in each county. The election lasted three days 
— November 14, 15 and 16, 1867, in accordance with 
Military Order No. 110. 

The convention met on January 20, 1868, and C. 
H. Pearce, colored, of Tallahassee, was proposed as 
temporary president, and H. Ford, colored, of Balti- 
more, Md., as temporary secretary. Then came a 
struggle for permanent officers. 

Under the call forty-six delegates were elected, 
but on the opening day only twenty-six responded to 
the call of the roll. Daniel Richards, of Sterling, 
111^ was chosen permanent president, and duly pro- 
claimed that the purpose of the convention was to 
prepare a new Constitution for Florida which 
would embody the Sixteenth Amendment, making 
the negroes co-equal with the whites in the matter 
of local self-government. 

Subsequently much bitterness developed against 
Richards from a party composed of ex-United States 
officers and negroes. They charged that the con- 
vention had been forced by him to organize when 
barely a quorum was present; that he had named 
but three persons on the committee on privileges 
and elections; that all of these were ineligible, and 
that the thirty clerks appointed by him were either 
friends of the president of the convention or sought 
to control its actions. 

One of the first acts of this carpetbaggism was a 
resolution to gratify the appetites of the carpet- 
baggers for spoils. They agreed that they were not 
in Tallahassee on account of their health, and did 
not hesitate to commit the State to a payment of 
$10 per diem for delegates — not from the date of 
the convening of the delegates, but from the issuing 
of the order by General Pope of the call for the elec- 
tion some weeks before. .Officers and clerks were 



12 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



given the same pay, but it was to begin upon the 
date of their appointment. The mileage of the del- 
egates was placed at |8 for each twenty miles to 
place of residence "by the nearest practicable route," 
and, in those days, "practicable routes" meandered 
in devious ways. 

The quarrel between the two factions of the con- 
vention over the rich spoils which they viewed in 
prospect grew so bitter that there was a split, re- 
sulting in two organizations, each claiming to be 
regular and legal. The Richards convention ad- 
journed from day to day without a quorum, but 
rumors came from that camp that his friends and 
adherents had determined upon his reinstatement; 
that they would disregard the action of the majority 
convention which had deposed him, and, if neces- 
sary, would resort to clubs and guns and bloodshed 
to replace him in the chair of authority. Through 
the influence of their friends they collected in the 
square opposite the Capitol at Tallahassee to the 
number of 1,000, armed with guns and clubs. The 
military authorities, being appealed to, and having 
full evidence of the brewing of trouble, stationed a 
troop about the Capitol and averted riot and con- 
flict. Richards appealed to Governor Walker and 
Colonel F. F. Flint, commander of the post, to ar- 
rest Colonel Horation Jenkins, Jr., who he styled 
as the pretender to the throne, and asked that they 
reinstate him, but both declined to interfere. 

General George Meade, the hero of Gettysburg, 
and commander of the Third Military, or Southern, 
District, accompanied by Colonel John T. Sprague, 
the commander of the United States forces in Flor- 
ida, heard of the dessensiou and hastened to Talla- 
hassee. They demanded the resignations of the rival 
presidents of the convention — Jenkins and Rich- 
ards. Both acceded, whereupon Sprague Avas 
elected temporary chairman, and a motion made to 
go into a permanent organization. At this point 
the steam roller was applied. Richards was deposed 
aud Jenkins elected by the decisive vote of 32 to 13, 
after which the convention declared that Richards 
was ineligible to a seat. He was charged with Jaw- 
ing issued SI 5,000 of scrip for printing when the 
bill was but for |5,000, and had caused the remain- 
der to be destroyed when disclosure threatened. He 
and his minority were also charged with conspiring 
to nominate State officers without authority in (lie 
interests of a New York syndicate which sought to 
control the Florida railroads ; and he, on his side, 
made charges no less bitter. In a memorial to the 
convention he mentioned such name as Harrison 
Reed, United States mail agent for Florida aud 
Alabama; O. B. Hart, superintendent of registra- 
tion for the State ; Colonel T. W. Osborn, register 
in bankruptcy; Major Sherman Conant, assistant 
assessor of internal revenue; Lemuel Wilson, asses 
soi of internal revenue; Captain A. A. Knight, lo- 
cating agent of the Freedmen's Bureau ; O. Morgan, 
receive]' of the United States Land Office; Lieuten- 
ant M. L. Stearns and Major W. J. Purman, agents 
of the Freedmen's Bureau ; E. D. Howe, assistant 
assessor of internal revenue; S. B. Conover. con- 
tract surgeon, and C. Thurston Chase, superintend- 
ent of education for the freedmen of the State, all 
of whom he charged with high crimes and misde- 
meanors. 



Richard declared that they were political adven- 
turers and non-residents; were not interested in 
the welfare of the State, but "like vampires sought 
to suck its life blood." 

That this was a close political corporation is 
shown by the fact that in subsequent years two of 
the men named by Richards in his list became Gov- 
ernors of the State; two were United States Sena- 
tors, and the others were all provided for with rich 
United States or State offices. Under their regime 
the State was plunged into a debt of millions of 
dollars, and her obligations were hawked in the 
marts of the country at 33 cents on the dollar. 

When General Meade and Colonel Sprague took 
charge of the proceedings of the convention, all of 
the acts of the rival parties were annulled and a 
new slate was begun on February 25, over a month 
after the dispute had reached the stage where riot 
threatened. The delegates to the reorganized con- 
vention were the following: Horatio Jenkins, Jr.,* 
Sherman Conant,* George J. Alden,* Lyman W. 
Rowley,* J. W. Butler, John L. Campbell, W. J. 
Purman,* L. C. Armistead, Emanue 1 Fortune, H. 
Bryan, M. L. Stearns,* J. E. A. Davidson, Frederick 
Hill, J. W. Child,* T. W. Osborn,* Joseph E. Oates, 
Richard Wells, Green Davidson, O. B. Armstrong, 
John Wyatt, John W. Powell,* Robert Meacham, 
Anthony Mills, A. G. Bass, Roland T. Romabuer,* 
Major Johnson, William R. Cone, Thomas Urqu- 
hart, Andrew Shuler, J. N. Krimminger, William K. 
Cessna,* Josiah T. Walls, S. B. Conover,* Auburn 
Erwin,* B. McRae, O. B. Hart, N. C. Dennett, Wil- 
liam Bradwell, Jonathan C. Gibbs, J. H. Goss, A. 
Chandler, W. Rogers, Samuel J. Pearce,* C. R. Mob- 
ley, David Mizell and E. L. Ware. 

All those names marked with a star (*) were ex- 
U. S. Army officers. There were a number of 
negroes in the convention, of whom Josiah T. Wajls, 
Jonathan C. Gibbs and Emanuel Fortune were the 
conspicuous leaders. J. H. Goss and W. R, Cone 
were citizens of the State who had had their dis- 
abilities removed by the convention because of their 
"sympathy with reconstruction." Hart and Mizell 
were also citizens of the State, but there were few 
others. 

The Constitution embodied the 15th Amend- 
ment enfranchising the negro, provided for the 
Legislature to meet in January, fixed the pay of 
members at $500 annually, provided for more than 
liberal pay, for those days, for State officials, but 
otherwise was not a notable document. 

The negroes soon became demoralized with polit- 
ical ambition. With such an array of "learned 
council" and influential friends, they concluded that 
liberty menat license. They deserted their work in 
the belief that the Government would not only feed 
them, but confiscate the property of their former 
masters and turn at over to them. It was the worst 
political and economic revolution in history, its re- 
volting feature being that the former slaves were 
taught social equality, a propaganda which is re- 
sponsible for manv of the lynchings which have 
taken place from that day to this. The farms and 
plantations were deserted by the negro population 
and the whites were driven to depend on their own 
labor. What scant crops they made were stolen 
unless securely secreted or guarded. When the 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



13 



* 

negroes were caught and* properly punished they 
retaliated by causing the arrest and often imprison- 
ment of those who had resented their crime. Not 
infrequently they resorted to murder to satiate 
their revenge. One of these Avas the killing of Dr. 
William Keith, near Ocala, by his own negroes with 
his own razor, his throat being cut from ear ear. 

The "^Regulators," which was the name of the 
Florida branch of the "Secret Empire of the South," 
otherwise known as "Ku Klux," apprehended the 
assassins and took the most summary vengeance 
upon them. All of them were killed, and one of 
them, after being shot, was boiled in and old sugar 
boiler and his skeleton articulated by an ex-ConfeH- 
.erate surgeon and swung for months from a tall 
pine at a lonely cross-roads near Ocala as a warn- 
ing of the fate of evil doers. 

There were weird and uncanny sights on the roads 
of Florida in those days. The ghosts of the dead 
lying in unknown graves on the battlefields from 
Atlanta to Gettysburg, seemed to have returned in 
mounted troops to haunt the highways. Not infre- 
quently what seemed to be a headless man would 
appear at a negro hut, and, in sepulchral voice, ask 
for water, feign to drink whole buckets of it, re- 
mark that he "had come back from hell and was 
thirsty," and that his mission was to protect his 
people from outrage and insult. Other apparitions 
were arrayed in white, with crimson stains to mark 
their wounds. All were masked with hoods, and 
their habit was to assemble at midnight and dis- 
perse like the dew of dawn. The negroes, naturally 
superstitious, were obsessed with dreadful fears, "in 
thoughts of visions of the night when deep sleep 
falleth on men" — their political leaders found it im- 
possible to reassure them with confidence, and in 
fifteen years or less, the State was restored to Dem- 
ocratic rule and order, and its economic conditions 
re-established on a foundation which promised the 
end of misrule in Florida. 

The oath of the "Silent Empire" of Florida was 
not unlike that of other similar organizations of the 
South. 

"I (giving name), before the Immaculate Judge 
of Heaven and Earth, and upon the Holy Evange- 
lists of Almighty God, do, of my own free will and 
accord, subscribe to the following secretly binding 
obligation : 

"1. We are on the side of justice, humanity and 
constitutional liberties, as bequeathed to us in its 
purity by our forefathers. 

"2. We oppose and reject the principles of the 
radical party. 

"3. We pledge mutual aid to each other in sick- 
ness, disease and pecuniary embarrassment. 

"4. Female friends, widows and their households, 
shall ever be objects of our special regard and pro- 
tection. 

"Any member divulging, or causing to be divulg- 
ed, any of the foregoing obligations, shall meet the 
fearful penalty and traitor's doom, which is Death! 
Death! Death!" 

This was the declaration of independence of the 
South and of its Anglo-Saxon blood which revolted 
over the artificially created dominion of an inferior 
race. 



In 1871 Congress made an investigation of the 
Ku Klux and gathered testimony, which, with the 
conclusions of the committee, embrace thirteen large 
volumes of fine print. The members of the "Silent 
Empire" remained silent. Few of them were invited 
to testify, and few secrets were revealed. The tes- 
timony was mostly ex-parte and from the negroes 
and carpetbaggers themselves. It made a bloody 
chapter, but the men who were the actors in them 
were seldom apprehended or convicted. The South's 
side of the story is locked in the bosoms of the dead 
who fought superior odds on sanguinary fields and 
returned to their homes in rags and tatters to find 
a more terrifying menace to their lives, liberty and 
property than they had ever confronted on the fields 
of battle. 

The Congressional Committee which visited Flor- 
ida obtained testimony which charged that in the 
one county of Jackson alone the Ku Klux were re- 
sponsible for sixty-five murders and numberless 
whippings ; there were thirty odd in Madison ; there 
were a dozen more in Alachua, about an equal num- 
ber in Marion and Columbia, and all of the other 
counties where the carpet-baggers were particularly 
obnoxious, contributed their part to the chapter" of 
the doings of the "Silent Empire." 

C. M. Hamilton, Freedmen's agent at Marianna, 
and member of Congress, said to the committee: 

"We have failed to accomplish anything by ap- 
pealing to their reason. The only way of having 
peace here and erecting a secure government is by 
taking a pretty vigorous hold and repressing this 
spirit of rebellion, which, since the war, has become 
intensified ten times over what it was during the 
war." 

He might have added that one of the factors for 
the increased intensification was such acts of his 
as the arrests of young white ladies on flimsy 
charges and haling them before his court. 

Samuel J. Douglas testified that he was a lawyer 
at Tallahassee and a member of the Democratic 
Club. Said he: 

"After the first election in 1868, I think it was, 
there were numerous frauds committed upon the 
ballot box, as it was supposed ; two ballot boxes 
were found with false sides, and there was reason to 
believe that great frauds had been committed. The 
first object was to have some one we could rely upon 
to watch and see that frauds could no longer be com- 
mitted upon the ballot box; that was the first ob- 
ject of the association. Afterward there was great 
discontent among the colored people. During the 
pendency of certain measures before Congress, cer- 
tain Constitutional amendments, and certain acts 
of Congress securing to the colored people their 
rights, they became very much excited ; they were 
very disquiet, and used to go to Tallahassee in 
crowds of a thousand at a time, armed with guns 
and clubs and other weapons, and parade the 
streets. I never believed there really was any dan- 
ger, but the female portion of our community were 
very much afraid, and a great many of our people 
believed that there would be a collision between 
the two races. The club was continued, and one of 
the objects was to prevent any possible collision be- 
hveen the colored and white races. Another object 
was, if a collision did take place, they might be able, 



14 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



through the organization, to arrest it; and, if from 
any- indiscretion of any young men, a collision with 
the colored people should be brought about, the or- 
ganization could go in a body and stop the collision ; 
or, if that could not be done, it was our duty, as we 
supposed, to be in a condition to defend our homes 
and firesides against assault." 

Mr. Douglas testified further that he had bee:i sent 
to Florida when it was a territory : 

"At that time," said he, "there was a worse feud 
raging here in Florida than ever at any time ; there 
was more bloodshed and violence than I ever wished 
to see again. It grew up between the Democratic 
and Whig parties, and led to the assassination of 
General Lee Reed in the streets of Tallahassee by a 
man of the name of Willis Alston. Alston belonged 
to the Whig party and Reed belonged to the Demo- 
cratic party, and they were both turbulent, violent 
men. At that time it was a very common thing for 
a man to shoot another in Tallahassee and almost 
anywhere else in Florida." 

Judge Douglas gives a very interesting summary 
of what the carpet-baggers did to the State treas- 
ury and the credit of the State. Said he : 

"There is another thing I would like to speak of. 
and that is the present condition of our finances. 
There is a deplorable condition of affairs in our 
State, a wasteful expenditure of public money, a 
reckless disregard of the interests of the State in 
creating obligations, that has grown out of the ad- 
ministration of the government under its head. I 
have no hesitancy in saying so. There are men in 
the State, men in the Republican party, who have 
been opposed to it. Colonel Osborn is one of them. 
As 1 understand from the conversation with him and 
some of his friends, he has been opposed to it, but he 
has not the power to arrest it. Our taxation has 
gone up gradually from $120,000 at the outside to 
$460,0000. The indebtness of the State has been in- 
creased from about $700,000 to between $8,000,000 
and $9,000,000, including bonds authorized to be is- 
sued. The credit of the State today is utterly worth- 
less and prostrate. The ordinary officials here are 
being paid in scrip that they cannot sell in the mar- 
ket for more than 33 cents on the dollar. Such a 
state of things as that must demoralize and utterly 
destroy the character of the State, and to prevent 
this wasteful and ruinous expenditure of the public 
money, the taxation will have to go on increasing, 
and the property of the State will change hands once 
in every ten years. A man who has property today 
will have all his property eaten up by taxes in ten 
years. There is very little productive capital in this 
State. There is a vast deal of land * * * out 
men who own several thousand acres of land only 
have need to cultivate a few hundred acres. They 
cannot sell their lands because nobody will buy them 
and come to a State where the taxes are as high as 
they are here. They have that land on their hands 
and cannot get rid of it. They cannot sell it for 
what it is worth, and they cannot make enough to 
pay their taxes on it." 

L. G. Dennis, popularly known as the "Little 
Giant of Alachua," was a promnent figure in recon- 
struction days. He had served in the Union army ; 
was small in stature, had a large moustache, with 
small, keen and foxy eyes, and was accepted by the 



negroes as their leader in*that region. He had great 
courage and mentality and became obnoxious to the 
whites because of his teaching of social equalty. The 
Little Giant often harangued the negroes in the old 
Oak Hall lot at Gainesville and enthused them to 
the highest pitch of political excitement; to be for- 
gotten, however, when the leader of their own race, 
Josiah T. Walls, called General Walls," came before 
them. Dennis and Walls were rivals for their sup- 
port, but Walls was the victor, for he was sent to 
Congress, while Dennis never rose higher than the 
dignity of a State Senator. 

The Ku Klux called at Dennis' residence one 
night when he was at home, but his negro servant 
concealed him so effectively and told such a plausi- 
ble story about his absence that they went away. 
Later they endeavored to take him off a train at 
Baldwin to hang him, but the negro porter per- 
suaded them that there was no such person in the 
sleeper. He received numerous letters from the Ku 
Klux threatening him with death, one of which, after 
reciting his offenses, quoted this couplet: 

"No man e'er felt the halter draw 
With good opinion of the law." 

He seems not to have been frightened in any way 
by the threats and attempts made upon his life, but 
he lived to play a leading part in placing Florida in 
the Hayes column. In one of the black precincts 
of Alachua, the Democrats successfully stuffed the 
ballot box and hurried it on to the county seat. 
Dennis, being apprised of what the returns from 
that precinct would show, had it stolen from the 
court house, restuffed it to suit himself and his 
party, restored it before morning, and when the re- 
turns were about to be tabulated, demanded a count 
of that precinct. The count was made and. to the 
surprise of the Democrats, showed the usual Kepub- 
lican majority. Dennis was never harmed, but died 
in Gainesville of a natural death many years after. 
In the later years of his life he won many friends, 
and he and his old political enemies swapped remi- 
niscenses of where and how they had outwitted 
each other. 

The Ku Klux in an effort to assassinate Major 
Purman at Marianna, killed Dr. Finlayson and also 
the Clerk of the Court, Capt. John Q. Dickinson, 
but in other parts of the State men equally as prom- 
inent were not molested, or, if there were designs 
against them, they failed of execution. Purman 
was a Pennsylvanian, but came to Florida as agent 
of the Freedmen's Bureau, locating at Marianna, 
where he became exceedingly busy in politics and 
political agitation amooug the negroes. Purman 
was warned to leave Jackson County, and left. The 
trouble in that section became acute with the killing 
of a negro and a boy while riding in a cart on their 
way to a picnic near Marianna. The parties who 
did the killing were never known, but the negroes 
believed they were whites, and on the day following 
fired into a party sitting on the front porch of the 
McClellan Hotel. Miss McClellan was killed and 
her father was wounded. Great excitement pre- 
vailed and the whites assembled under arms all 
over the county. Oscar Granbury and Matt Nichols, 
negro politicians, were arrested and marched out of 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



15 



town. Granberry was killed, but Nichols escaped. 
Samuel Fleischman, a merchant of the town, who 
sold arms and ammunition to the negroes, was 
sent into Georgia and warned never again to put 
his foot in Jackson County. The attempt of the 
negroes to kill Colonel McClellan was because he 
was believed to be a Ku Klux leader. 

Judge Carraway, Judge of the Calhoun County 
Court, and Mr. Yearty, both registrars under the 
reconstruction laws, and leading Republicans, were 
killed, and other agitators given warning to leave 
politics alone. 

Frank Myers testified before the committee that 
in 1868 be lived in Alachua County, where he joined 
a Democratic club and was at once invited to join 
also a secret service club, but this he did not do. 
However, he ascertained the substance of the secret 
oath and testified as follows : 

"The members were bound by oath to obey all 
orders or edicts coming to them from their chief, 
from the central chief of the county, or the central 
chief of the State ; they were also sworn to remove, 
by any means possible, any obstacles in the way of 
the success of the party which they represented." 

The members of the Democratic clubs were as 
follows : 

S. W. Burnett, P. W. Scott, G. P. Thomas, James 
Beattie, P. H. Young, Frank Myers, W. P. Col- 
clough, Wm. T. Richardson, J. j/Beattie, T. G. P. 
Thompson, S. I. Burnett, George F. Beattie, S. J. 
Myers, T. W. McCaa, F. C. Johnson, Jno. H. Men- 
zert, U. T. Menzert, S. F. Harvard, S. T. Fraser, 
Wm. Strickland, W. T. Abbett, S. C. Tucker, E. M. 
Thompson, C. Bain, Sr., J. J. Kennard, Pat Burke, 
H. C. Dozier, G. W. Wellington, T. B. Ellis, Thad- 
deus Foster, W. H. Babcock, J. O'Malley, W. B. 
Ellis, L. C. Arledge, R. M. Dozier, J. F. Strickland, 
Isam Bennett, Oscar Wiggins, Warren Bryant, J. B. 
H. Swift, J. W. Perry, J. W. Jones, C. P. Crawford, 
Edmund Jones, A. A. Bobinson, William D. Ed- 
wards, George M. Colman and I. I. Thompson. 

Perry testified that one of the Ku Klux mem- 
bers told him that an effort had been made to kill 
General W. H. Birney, district attorney for the 
Fifth District, but that he had taken an unfre- 
quented road and eluded the party. 

General Birney was at Jacksonville during the 
latter part of the war and conducted a raid on the 
St. Johns River plantations, confiscating cotton, 
cattle and other supplies. 

In 1871 the negro ministers of the State held a 
convention at Jacksonville and appealed to Gov- 
ernor Reed to use the power of the State for the 
protection of members of their race in the counties 
where they had been whipped or killed. The Gov- 
ernor had made an effort of this sort some time be- 
fore, but the arms he had ordered and had shipped 
to him at Tallahassee were dumped off the train all 
along the roadway. The Governor confessed that 
he was powerless to aid, whereupon the following 
resolution was adopted: 

"Resolved, That it is the deliberate opinion of 
this convention that the colored people should move 
out of Jackson county forthwith ; 

"Resolved, further, That we pledge ourselves to do 
all we can to get them homes elsewhere." 

In 1871 Jonathan C. Gibbs, Florida's negro Sec- 



retary of State, wrote a letter to the editor of the 
Lake City Herald, from which the following is 
quoted : 

"The United States has assigned two places in 
the Hall of Statuary to each State for two of its 
most distinguished citizens. I propose that the 
Legislature, at its next session, take the proper 
steps to fill one of these places with a life-size 
statute of Hon. John Q. Dickinson, the martyr, 
saint, hero, who was slain in defense of the recon- 
struction laws of Congress, April 3, 1871, at 
Marianna." 

As an example of the bitter feeling engendered 
between the races, an election was being held at 
Quincy, with two polling places, one for the negroes 
and the other for the whites. Late in the afternoon 
the negroes abandoned their box and attempted to 
crowd away the white people. A disturbance arose 
and the negroes were driven back. This infuriated 
the negroes all over the town and the negro women 
ran through the streets endeavoring to incite their 
men to murder, shouting, "Where is your garri- 
son?" "Take the babies from the cradle!" and such 
other like expressions. 

The views of a northern man on reconstruction 
in Florida are set forth in the following extracts 
from the testimony of Capt. Charles B. Wilder, As- 
sistant Superintendent of Negro Affairs in Vir- 
ginia, who said : 

"I am from Boston, Massachusetts, and have been 
here six years. I came here partly to save my life; 
more for that than anything else, and to see what 
could be done for this State in the way of bringing 
colonists here. A great attempt has been made to 
bring down here white and colored colonists, and, 
if we could, to make a Yankee State out of it, as 
we call it. I have been in political life a great deal, 
actively engaged in the old anti-slavery cause. I 
came here as a kind of a committee or pioneer to 
learn whether it was advisable to occupy this State. 
Thousands of colored people were thrown on their 
oars after the war closed, and President Lincoln 
first, and afterward President Johnson, proposed to 
colonize them ; not to send them out of the country, 
but to get them to some State where they could be 
settled upon lands under the homestead law. This 
State was fixed upon for that purpose, and I came 
here with some others, and we looked about and 
found desirable locations. The state of things 
turned, on the death of Lincoln, and the coming in 
of Johnson, and our plan was not carried out. I 
came here to enjoy life longer, if I could, and to do 
what I could to reconstruct the State and to bring 
about a state of things that would harmonize the 
interests and be beneficial to the colored people. I 
was here about a year prior to the constitutional 
convention. I mingled with a lot of politicians here, 
most of them army officers, who were located about 
here, some in business, but not successful, for the 
crops were bad. I went on acting and voling with 
them until after the State was reorganized. At 
last such a state of things sprang up that satisfied 
us would be ruinous to the country and the pros- 
perity of the State. But we kept on hoping for 
better things, feeling that nothing could be, done 
but through the Republican party, as the old citi- 
zens were standing off and objecting. We fought 



16 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



on until there was such a state of things as has 
ruined us, as you will find it if you find out what 
is the trouble here; a state of things more de- 
structive to" property than life — more ruinous than 
all the Ku Klux in the State. 

Question: To what class of men do you refer? 

Answer : To what we designate here as the car- 
pet bag element that rules the State. 

Question : Give us plainly a statement of who 
those persons are and the positions they hold; it is 
our object to get at the truth. 

Answer: If I should do that my life probably 
would not be safe; they have already taken mob 
law and almost murdered a man publicly in this 
city — some one who, I guess, inquired about the 
swindling here, the same as I should do, and he is 
knocked over. 

Question: Does this class of men who you say 
rule the State embrace your Governor? 

Answer: Yes, sir. 

Question : Does it embrace all the leading officials 
of the State? 

Answer: All but one, that I know of. 

Question: Whom would you except? 

Answer: Mr. Gamble, the Comptroller. 

Question : You do not believe he is of this cor- 
rupt ring? 

Answer: I know he has given vouchers officially, 
stating that the swindlers here, one or two of the 
tax collectors, for instance, have got $30,000 or 
|40,000, and because we suppose that such a man 
is not fit to run the Freedmen's Bank we are mobbed 
in the street. They all cen singed us, and in my pres- 
ence swore that he would serve. We have invested 
a great deal of money here, and I was glad to get 
my friends to come here. I have been fighting in 
the anti-slavery and Republican party for thirty 
years, and now, to come down here, and be knocked 
about by this class of gamblers — I call them a ring 
of gamblers. 

Question : Does that ring embrace also the lead- 
ing men of the State Legislature? 

Answer: Enough to carry their measures. Here 
is an instance in this city : We are represented there 
by a man who has no more business there than a 
black man. A man was elected here and got his 
commission and went there and took his seat. When 
they got there they found they could not use him 
to carry their points, so he was turned out, and 
another man, associated with Cheney, was put in. 
Falsehoods and perjuries, and stuffing of ballot 
boxes are all in proof before the committee, and 
certified; but they kicked him out and stuffed the 
ballot boxes, and brought the other man into the 
seat. If I was inclined to swear I would say that 
such things are damnable, ruinous to the prosperity 
of the State, to the prosperity of the party in the 
State, and the party in the country, when they will 
sanction and bolster up, and keep in office men 
guilty of a thousand such things." 

Capt. Wilder said of the tax rate (Duval county) : 
"It has increased abominably. A year or two after 
the war the tax in this county was about $5,000, 
and how it is $30,000, and, according to estimate, 
it may run up to $60,000. Yet there are no im- 
provements here, no court house and no jail fit to 
put a hog in. The money has been squandered by 



the officeholders. I am willing to testify that the 
Governor got over $10,000 out of one man for an 
office in this State, and he told me so." 

Capt. Wilder further testified that all the office- 
holders were appointed by the Governor, and be- 
came a standard and well-known rule that every- 
body that wanted office must pay, and the man pay- 
ing the most gets the office. 

Asked who got the profits from the corruption 
fund from the sale of offices, he said: 

"You can see if you notice how these fellows live. 
Here is an instance of a collector, who is a de- 
faulter to the State of $30,000 or $40,000, and yet 
he has his whiskey parties, etc. His name is Little, 
and he is from Connecticut. One of the rich- 
est men of this town stated that when on one 
of these parties at a certain time they had their 
liquor and every other thing, and the fellow paid 
$100 for it, and when he came here he wasn't worth 
a dollar. They have their suppers and parties and 
get together for the purpose of managing to get 
control of the State. I was with them considerably 
along at first, until we decent Republicans found 
out that they had nothing to do with Republican- 
ism according to our ideas; that their Republican- 
ism was all spurious and a swindle." 

The burden of taxation became so great finally 
that a taxpayers' convention was held to decide 
upon necessary economies. Men of both parties 
were present, and among them the leading Demo- 
crats of the State, who expressed a willingness to 
join their honest Republican brethren in an effort 
to capture the negro vote under the Republican 
name. This convention adopted resolutions for 
amending the constitution for the reduction of the 
salaries of the State offices, $1,000 in some cases 
and $500 in others, but Redd, Gibbs and others cam- 
paigned the State against the amendment with the 
argument that the poor man did not have to pay 
the taxes, and that they came from the rich who 
could afford them. Duval, the most tax-ridden 
county in the State, because of its preponderating 
ignorant negro population, gave an immense vote to 
Governor Reed's wishes, b\it the rest of the State 
saved the amendment by a small majority. 

The carpet-bag government created a system of 
railways through the State and issued bonds to aid 
the companies in this proposed development. In 
October, 1871, the Tallahassee Sentinel, commeting 
on this matter, said : 

"It is now pretty generally understood that the 
proceeds of the four millions of State bonds is- 
sued to the Jacksonville, Pensacola & Mobile Rail- 
road Company in 1870, have been squandered or 
misapplied. The bonds were issued ostensibly to 
enable that company to 'complete, maintain and 
equip its road,' but no such purpose has been sub- 
served, except to a limited extent. Out of the pro- 
ceeds of $2,800,000 of the bonds, there have been 
partially graded and prepared for the iron nineteen 
and a half miles of roadbed, all of which is not yet 
paid for, and an alleged purchase of iron for a like 
distance, of which some ten miles only have been 
received and laid. Not an engine or car has been 
purchased, or anything done except in the partic- 
ulars mentioned, towards completing or extending 
the road." 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



17 



Captain Wilder, when asked what parr of the 
old Southern citizens of the State took in the gov- 
ernment of the State, said: 

"Everybody was excluded who was tinctured at 
all with Democratic principles, or who was a South- 
em man, unless he comes out like Judge Long (T. 
T. Long), or Judge Ledwith and some such men, 
who are as black-hearted secesh as any of them, but 
who turned over and became noisy Bepublicans, 
and got some of the best offices in the State. I am 
on good terms with Judge Long, but I use him to 
illustrate the fact. But there is rather a pleasant 
feature to me to find that the old rebels who helped 
to carry this State into the rebellion, and who 
fought for it all the way through, old Colonel An- 
derson, and some of them, are the quietest of men. 
They do not approve much of what has been done, 
but they acquiesce, and are now willing to make 
the best of it, and would do all that they could to 
promote the progress and prosperity of the State. 
I have been asked forty times to send statements 
that the Southern men were polite and kind to 
strangers. President Sears was here some years 
ago in connection with the Peabody fund for the 
benefit of schools all over the State. I used to 
know him, and I asked him what he was here for. 
He said : 'I have been here two days trying to find 
somebody who was interested in schools.' I said : 
'Come with me and I will show you.' I took him to 
Judge Hart, the mayor of the city, and to a few of 
the leading men. He promised to furnish funds to 
support a teacher. Some of the old leading men 
here, Anderson and others, came out and made 
speeches announcing that they acquiesced, that they 
were thankful to have help. They said they were 
embarrassed and poverty-stricken and could not do 
anything, but they were delighted to find that some- 
body would befriend them, and promised to provide 
the places and all that." 

Question : Those were the old secessionists ? 

Answer: Most of them were the old rebels, prin- 
cipally of that class of men. 

Question : Did they desire to avail themselves of 
the kindness of Mr. Sears? 

Answer: Yes, sir, they pledged themselves to 
build schoolhouses, some of them did. The rich 
men generally send their children to the schools in 
the North. They got a system up in the Legisla- 
ture for a free-school system, but this brutal system 
(meaning carpet-bagism) has swallowed up all that, 
and the schools did not get it. The fund given by 
Mr. Peabody is not available, because they have not 
complied with certain conditions. 

Question: Am I right in taking the substance 
and gist of your testimony to be that the disorders 
now existing in Florida and the evils that now af- 
flict you here are caused by the corrupt and ineffi- 
cient State government, and by the officials here, 
both State and Federal? 

Answer: In my opinion, that is the God's truth, 
with few exceptions. 

Beconstruction was a carnival of rascality. It 
was impossible to indict or convict anyone, for the 
Governor had the appointing power of all the offi- 
cers, and they, in turn, the selection of the juries, 
who would have been wholly in sympathy with the 
looters of the treasuries : 

3— P.M. B. 



In 1876 the Democrats effected a perfect organiza 
tion, with enthusiasm all down the line, and a deter- 
mination to win. George F. Drew was nominated 
for Governor and Noble A. Hull for Lieutenant Gov- 
ernor against M. L. Stearns for Governor and D. 
Montgomery for Lieutenant Governor on the part of 
the Republicans. The Democratic candidates for 
presidential electors were J. E. Yonge, Wilkinson 
Call, B. B. Hilton and Bobert Bullock ; those for the 
Bepublicans F. C. Humphreys, C. H. Pearce, W. H. 
Holden and T. W. Long. In the First District, B. 
H. M. Davidson was the Democratic candidate for 
Congress against W. J. Purman; and in the Second 
District, Jesse J. Finley was the Democratic candi- 
date against Horatio Bisbee, Jr. On the face of the 
returns from the various counties it appeared that 
the Democrats had carried the State for Governor, 
Lieutenant Governor and the TiMen electors, the 
four from Florida being necessary to place Til den 
in the presidential chair. The Bepublican National 
Committee was dumbfounded, but soon determined 
to contest the election, and agents came to Florida 
for that purpose armed with ample money, influence 
and authority. Their campaign constituted the 
crime of '76, and is more strictly a chapter of our 
national rather than state history. The canvassing 
board at Tallahassee also attempted to throw out 
sufficient returns from the various counties to elect 
Stearns and Montgomery. This board was composed 
of Samuel B. McLin. Secretary of State; William A. 
Cocke, Attorney General, and Clayton A. Cowgill, 
Comptroller. Upon various ex parte evidence they 
threw out the vote of Manatee, and refused to can- 
vass, count and enumerate the votes of the counties 
of Jackson, Hamilton and Monroe, as shown by the 
returns of those counties. 

In December, 1876, the attorneys of George F. 
Drew (Bichard L. Campbell, B. B. Hilton and 
George P. Baney) applied to the Supreme Court for 
mandamus to compel the canvassing board to count 
the returns as they had been received. After ex- 
tended proceedings and argument the court finally 
decided that the canvassing board had no authoriry 
"to go behind the returns" which the counties had 
made, and Drew and the entire ticket were declared 
elected. The members of the Suprem Court were 
Edwin M. Bandall, Chief Justice; James D. West- 
cott, Jr.. and R. B. VanValkenburgh, Associate Jus- 
tices. The opinion of the court was given by Justice 
Westcott. Governor Drew was installed into the 
office as the first Democratic Governor since the 
war. since which time a governor of no other politi- 
cal party has been elected in Florida. 

In January, upon the advent of the new admin- 
istration, a new canvassing board was formed, which 
certified, through Secretary of State W. D. Bloxham, 
that the vote for presidential electors had been, 
Democrats, 2,240; Bepublicans, 2,350; a difference 
of but 90 votes, but these 90 votes of Florida, which 
really elected a President, were wholly disregarded, 
and Hayes was seated. 

In 1868 the reconstructionists elected Thomas W. 
Osborn to the United States Senate for the long 
term, and Adolnijah Welch for the short term, and 
Charles M. Hamilton as a member of the House of 
Representatives. Osborn was from New Jersey and 
had been a Union colonel. Welch was from" Con- 



18 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



nec.ticut. Hamilton was from New York and had 
served in the Union army. 

In 1869 the delegation was changed by the defeat 
of Welch and the election of Abijah Gilbert to the 
Senate. Gilbert was from New "York and served 
until 1875. 

In 1871 Silas L. Niblack and Josiah T. Walls were 
candidates for Eepresentatives, the first a Democrat 
and the latter a Bepublican and negro. Walls was 
given the office on the face of the returns, but his 
seat was successfully contested by Niblack, but so 
late in the session that he served only a little over a 
month. 

In 1873 the delegation was Simon B. Conover and 
Gilbert, Senators, and William J. Purinan and Jo- 
siah T. Walls, Eepresentatives. Purman was a 
Pennsylvanian and had served in the Union army. 
Conover, who succeeded Osborn, was an assistant 
surgeon in the Union army. He was born in New 
Jersey. 

In 1875 the delegation was Simon B. Conover and 
Charles W. Jones, Senators, and Jesse J. Finley and 
William J. Purinan. Jones was from Pensacola, a 
native of Ireland, and was elected as a Conservative 
Democrat to succeed Abijah Gilbert. Walls was 
given his seat in Congress on the face of the returns, 
but his election was successfully contested by Gen- 
eral Finley. The latter was a Democrat and native 
of Tennessee. He served in the Seminole 'Indian 
war in 1836, volunteered as a private in the Confed- 
erate army, and was subsequently promoted to the 
rank of brigadier general. 

In 1877 the delegation was composed as follows: 
Conover and Jones, Senators, and Horatio JJisbee, 
Jr., and B. H. M. Davidson, Eepresentatives. Bis- 
bee was a native of Maine, was a colonel in the 
Union army, and was attorney general for the State 
of Florida in 1873. Davidson was born in Gadsden 
county, Florida, was a captain of infantry in the 
Confederate army, and was elected as a Conserva- 
tive Democrat. 

In 1879 the delegation was Charles W. Jones, 
Pensacola, and Wilkinson Call, Jacksonville, Sen- 
ators, and H. Bisbee, Noble A. Hull and E. H. M. 
Davidson, Eepresentatives. Hull, Democrat, was 
gvien his seat on the face of the returns, but a few 
weeks before the close of the session his seat was 
successfully contested by Bisbee. 

Wilkinson Call, Democrat, was a native of Ken- 
tucky, was elected to the United States Senate just 
after the war but was not allowed to take his seat 

Hull was a native of Georgia, had served as a cap- 
tain of cavalry in the Confederate army, and as 
Lieutenant Governor of Florida. 

In 1881 the delegation was Jones and Call, Sena- 
tors, and Davidson and Bisbee, Eepresentatives. 
Bisbee took his seat in 1882, having successfully con- 
tested the seat of General Finley. In 1883 the del- 
egation was the same. 

In 1885 the only change made was by the defeat 
of Bisbee by Charlie Dougherty, Democrat, which 
marked the complete end of Eepublican success in 
Florida. 

As a matter of fact, carpet-bagism in Florida 
ended in 1876, with the election of Drew and a Dem- 
ocratic Legislature. One of the first steps taken bv 
them to fortify the State against the menace of 



negro rule was the ingenious eight-.ballot-box law. 
This law was borrowed from South Carolina, but. 
was improved upon in its design by disfranchising 
the ignorant elector. One box was provided for elect- 
ors and properly, although not always legibly, 
marked ; another was for candidate for Congress, and 
the others for the various state and county officers, 
each also properly marked. The elector was required 
to place his ballot in the proper box, and to accom- 
plish this it was necessary for him to read his ballot 
correctly as well as the superscription on the box 
If the ballot went into the wrong box it was not 
counted. The inspectors had the right to "shuffle" 
the boxes as often as they pleased, so that if a voter 
came in and went out with information as to the ar- 
rangement of the boxes the information would be 
useless in guiding those who followed him into the 
polls. This law was followed by the poll tax pre- 
requisite, and later on by the Australian ballot, 
since the adoption of which the Eepublicans of Flor- 
ida are unable to intelligently muster one-tenth of 
the old-time party strength. 

In 1887-89 the delegation in Congress consisted 
of Senators Wilkinson Call and Samuel Pasco, and 
Eepresentatives, First District, E. H. M. Davidson, 
and, Second District, Charles Dougherty. From 
1889 to 1891, Senators the same, and Eepresenta- 
tives, Davidson, First District, and Eobert Bullock, 
Second District. 

From 1891 to 1893, Senators the same, and Eep 
resenratives S. E. Mallory and Eobert Bullock. 

From 1893 to 1895, Senators the same, and Eep- 
resentatives, First District, S. E. Mallory; Second 
District, Charles M. Cooper. 

From 1895 to 1897, Senators the same; Eepresen- 
tatives, S. M. Sparkman, First District, and C. M. 
Cooper, Second District. 

From 1897 to 1899, Senators, Samuel Pasco and 
S. E. Mallory; Eepresentatives, Sparkman, First 
District, and Eobert W. Davis, Second District. 

From 1899 to 1901, Senators, S. E. Mallory and 
James P. Taliaferro; Eepresentatives, Sparkman 
and Davis. 

From 1901 to 1903 the same, and from 1903 to 
1905, the same, excepting that, under the reappor- 
tionment of Congressional Districts, by virtue of 
her increase in population, Florida obtained a Third 
District, and this was filled by the election of Wil- 
liam B. Lamar, of Monticello. 

From 1905 to 1907 the delegation was the same, 
except that in the latter part of the last mentioned 
year Senator Mallory died. Governor Broward ap- 
pointed William James Bryan as his successor. Sen- 
ator Bryan took his seat in January, 1908, but in a 
few weeks died of typhoid fever, whereupon the Gov- 
ernor appointed William H. Milton, of Marianna, 
as his successor. 

From 1907 to 1909 the delegation was composed 
of James P. Taliaferro, William H. Milton, Sena- 
tors, and Eepresentatives Stephen M. Sparkman, 
Frank Clark and William B. Lamar. 

From 1909 to 1911 the delegation was composed 
of Senators Taliaferro and Duncan U. Fletcher, and 
Eepresentatives S. M. Sparkman, Frank Clark and 
Dannette H. Mays. 

From 1911 to 1913 the delegation was composed 
of Duncan U. Fletcher, Nathan P. Bryan, Senators, 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



19 



and Kepresentatives Sparkman, Clark, Mays and 
and Claude L'Engle. 

From 1913 to 1915 the Congressional delegation 
was composed of Senators D. U. Fletcher and N. P. 
Kryc n, and Representatives Sparkman, Clark, Wil- 
son and Sears. 

From 1916 to the Congressional delega- 

tion was composed of Senators D. IT. Fletcher and 
Park Trammell, and Representatives H. J. Diane, 
Frank Clark, Walter Kehoe and W. J. Sears. 



Headquarters, Division of the South, 
Adjutant General's Office, 
Camp four miles north of St Marks, Florida. 

April 29th, 1818. 

GENERAL ORDERS. 

At a special court-martial, commenced on the 
26th instant, at St. Marks, and continued until the 
night of the 28th, of which Brevet Major General 
E. P. Gaines is president, was tried A. Arbuthnot, 
on the following charges and specifications, viz. : 

Charge 1. Exciting and stirring up the Creek 
Indians to war against the United States and her 
citizens, he. A. Arbuthnot, being a subject of Great 
Britain, with whom the United States are at peace. 

Charge 2. Acting as a spy, aiding, abetting, and 
comforting the enemy, and supplying them with 
the means of war. 

Charge 3. Exciting the Indians to murder and 
destroy William Hambly and Edmund Doyle, con- 
fiscate their property, and causing their arrest, with 
a view to their condemnation to death, and the 
seizure of their property, they being citizens of 
Spain, on account of their active and zealous ex- 
ertions to maintain peace between Spain, the United 
States and the Indians. 

To which charges the prisoner pleaded not guilty. 

The court, after mature deliberation on the evi- 
dence adduced, find the prisoner. A. Arbuthnot, 
guilty of the first charge, and guilty of the second 
charge, leaving out the words "acting as a spy;" 
and, after mature reflection, sentence him, A. Ar- 
buthnot, to be- suspended by the neck until he is 
dead. 

Was also tried Robert C. Ambrister, on the fol- 
lowing charges, viz. : 

Charge 1. Aiding, abetting, and comforting the 
enemy, and supplying them with the means of war, 
he being a subject of Great Britain, at peace with 
the United States, and late an officer of the British 
Colonial Marines. 



The earliest aboriginal inhabitants of Florida of 
whom we have any definite knowledge were the 
Caribs, later known as the Spanish Indians, but 
their individuality disappeared during the long In- 
dian War of 18-55-42, when they were treated as 
enemies by the United States in spite of the fact 
that they had not been guilty of a single unfriendly 



Charge 2. Leading and commanding the Lower 
Creek Indians in carrying on war against the 
United States. 

To which charges the prisoner pleaded as follows, 
viz. : 

To the first charge, not guilty. To the second 
charge, guilty, and justification. 

The court, on examination of the evidence and 
on mature deliberation, find the prisoner, Robert 
C. Ambrister, guilty of the first and second charges, 
and do, therefore, sentence him to suffer death, by 
being shot. One of the members requesting a re- 
consideration of the vote on this sentence, and it 
being had, they sentenced the prisoner to receive 
fifty stripes on his bare back, and be confined with 
ball and chain to hard labor for twelve calendar 
months. 

The commanding general approves the finding 
and sentence of the court in the case of A. Arbuth- 
not; and approves the finding and first sentence 
of the court in the case of Robert C. Ambrister; 
and disapproves the reconsideration of the sentence 
of the honorable court in his case; it appearing, 
from the evidence and. pleading of the prisoner, 
that he did lead and command within the territory 
of Spain (being a subject of Great Britain) the 
Indians in war against the United States, these 
nations being at peace. It is an established prin- 
ciple of the law of nations that any individual of 
a nation, making- war against the citizens of an- 
other nation, they being at peace, forfeits his alle- 
giance, and becomes an outlaw and pirate. This 
is the case of Robert C. Ambrister, clearly shown 
by the evidence adduced. 

The commanding general orders that Brevet 
Major A. C. W. Fanning, of the Corps of Artillery, 
will have, between the hours of 8 and 9 o'clock 
A. M., A. Arbuthnot suspended by the neck with a 
rope until he is dead ; and Robert C. Ambrister to 
be shot to death, agreeably to the sentence of the 
court. 

John James Arbuthnot will be furnished with a 
passage to Pensacola^by the first vessel. 

Capt. R. K Call, of the First Regiment of In- 
fantry, is appointed volunteer aide-de-camp to the 
commanding general until further ordered. 

The special court, of which Brevet Major General 
E. P. Gaines is president, is dissolved. 

By order Major General A. Jackson. 

ROBERT BUTLER, 

Adjutant General. 




act, but were content to pursue their peaceful voca- 
tion of fishing on the coast without pretending for 
lands, reservations or slaves. The early explorers 
on returning, to their homes told strange stories of 
a curious people on the coast of Florida who were 
half man and half horse. These romances grew out 
of the peculiar garb of the Caribs. Their dress con- 



20 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



sisted only of a belt about the waist, an apron and, 
attached to the belt at the back plume of fiber, re- 
sembling the tail of a horse. They inhabited the 
whole east coast of Florida to the Yemassee coun- 
try, which began just across the St. Marys River 
in Georgia. The Caribs were expert with bow, 
spear and paddle, and they subsisted almost ex- 
clusively on the products of the sea — fish, oysters, 
clams, crabs, etc. Of vegetables they ate palmetto 
buds and berries, beach plums, grapes and the Avon- 
derful "caffeena." The first authentic account of 
these people is contained in an old worm-eaten book 
in the Congressional Library, and is the narrative 
of a passenger on a voyage from Jamaica to Phila- 
delphia. The ship was wrecked off Hobe Sound in 
1696. and all hands would have been devoured by 
the "cannibals." thev feared, but they escaped by 
pretending to be Spaniards, with whom these In- 
dians were on verv friendlv terms. Why the authoi* 
of the narrative should style them cannibals is not 
apparent from any incident which he recites, for 
the Indians did them no harm beyond robbing them 
of all their clothing. The unfortunate castawavs, 
through the aid of the natives, finallv mn*V their 
wav to St. Ausnstine. thence to Charleston through 
the inland passage, and finallv to Philadelphia. 

On the east coast of Florida t^ere was a numer- 
ous population and a chain of villages varying in 
size. The headman, or chief of the village, was 
called the Caffekey, and over him ruled a district 
Caffekey. with, finally, a Caffekey whose dominion 
extended over the entire coast. 

The Indians made very good canoes and, when 
wishing to make a long voyage, would lash two of 
their craft together into a "catamaran," capable of 
weathering heavy seas and carrying considerable 
freight. 

The shipwrecked people found at all the Indian 
villages immense mounds of oyster and clam shells. 
They were really refuse heaps, but subsequently 
were used by the Caffekey as a site for his cabin. 
The huts of the Caribs were built of boughs of trees 
lashed together and thatched with palmetto leaves, 
a wholly different structure from the homes of the 
Seminoles, who built with logs and roofed with 
cypress bark. 

On the first quarter of every moon there was a 
religious ceremony or moon dance. A painted pole, 
fashioned in the shape of a human thigh, was 
erected at a convenient spot in the village, and 
around this the men danced, women not being per- 
mitted to participate, but, for a part of the time, 
were compelled to remain in their huts, or, if thej 
came forth, were required to be heavily veiled. It 
is thought that these primitive people worshipped 
the moon because of its influence on the tides and 
water through which they obtained their food. 

The shipwrecked people found no fields or gar- 
dens of corn, pumpkins and tobacco, such as the 
Seminoles planted, until they passed St. Augustine 
and got into the country of the Yem asses, or where 
the Spanish teaching had borne fruit. A few miles 



north of St. Augustine there was a considerable 
village, and on Fort George Island one of several 
hundred population, but the inhabitants seem to 
have been a mixture of Yemassee and Carib. At 
this place they raised corn, pumpkins, beans, red 
peppers, chickens, ducks and pigs, and the women 
wove dresses of the fiber of the Spanish moss. 
Another large village was located on Amelia Island, 
near where Fernandina now stands. Franciscan 
friars were located at all of the villages north of 
St. A\igustine, with chapel, school, etc., at each. 
The friars not only ministered to the spiritual 
wants of the natives, but taught them agriculture 
and of the wisdom of having well-filled storehouses 
for future use. 

In the lower part of the State the Christianizing 
of the Indians had been attempted, but failed. Two 
of the friars made a vow to ero among and teach 
the Cape Indians, but the Indians were verv hostile, 
killed one of the friars and compelled the other to 
flee for his life. 

In 1825 Ceneral Wilev Thomoson, the Indian 
as-ent in Florida, obtained information that there 
were emnloved between Charlotte Harbor and 
Tnn-ma Pav nearlv 100 of th ese Snanisb Tn^inns or 
Caribs. Thev worked for the Snauish fish^n" - houses 
on those waters and were reported never to have 
been so far as ten miles into the interior. They 
had no connection with the Seminoles. did not 
sneak or understand their language and lived ex : 
clusivelv by their nets and from the products of 
the little patches of vegetables which they culti- 
vated about their huts. 

When Buckinerham Smith made his reconnais- 
sance of the Everglades in 1848 he found traces or 
relics of "cannibal Indians." 

The Caribs were driven, in 1829. to make common 
cause with the Seminoles. and few of them ever 
surrendered or went to Arkansas. They are in the 
Big Cypress today, married and inter-married with 
the Seminoles and negroes until there is no integ- 
rity of blood left. 

Colonel Sprague, in his Florida war, says: 

"South of Pease Creek and Lake Okeechobee, 
near the extreme southern part of the peninsular, 
was a band of Spanish Indians under an intelli- 
gent chief called Chekika, speaking a language 
peculiarly their own — a mixture of Indian and 
Spanish. They numbered about 100 warriors. They 
took no part in the war until 1839 and '40, when, 
finding themselves attacked and pursued, they took 
arms and resisted. This band of Indians was en- 
tirely unknown. In all the treaties that had been 
made and councils held by agents of the Govern- 
ment they had no participation. Numbers had 
visited the Island of Cuba, and looked more to the 
Spaniards as their friends than they did to the 
Americans. Hospitarke, whose wife was a Spanish 
woman, lived in this quarter. A few men of his 
tribe here joined him. Large numbers were added 
to those who were pursued bv the troops further 
north." 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



21 




on 




The exiles of Florida were the negroes who ran 
away from their masters and took refuge among the 
Indians. Some of these escapes were in the 
"Plantation" days, preceding the Revolution. The 
Hon, Joshua Giddings, member of Congress before 
the war, wrote a book called "The Exiles of Flor- 
ida," treating this subject very fully. According 
to his account, Florida was settled by the Spaniards 
in 1858, and they were the first to engage in the 
slave trade. They not only traded among each 
other, but sought to supply other nations with 
negro slaves from the coast of Guinea. The colon- 
ists held many slaves, especially the Carolinians, 
and South Carolina claimed under her charter a 
very large extent of territory embracing St. Augus- 
tine and a considerable portion of East Florida. 
This brought on a conflict of jurisdiction which 
caused hostilities between the Carolinians and the 
Spaniards in Florida. When the boundaries of 
Florida and South Carolina were finally fixed the 
colonists found themselves separated by the terri- 
tory now comprising the State of Georgia, which, 
at that time, was occupied mostly by the Creek In- 
dians, who had come from the west and conquered 
the native tribes. Not satisfied with their negro 
slaves, the Carolinians undertook to enslave the 
Indians, who promptly ran away to the forests and 
joined their tribesmen, often inducing the negro 
slaves to follow their example, which they were not 
loath to do, as they were promised practical free- 
dom and all the charms of an aboriginal life, to 
which the negroes, most of whom were fresh from 
Africa, were accustomed. The runaways were wel- 
comed by the Indians, given lands and liberty, but, 
being pursued, went farther on into Florida and 
joined the Indians there. They were welcomed by 
the Spaniards, were treated as freemen and citizens 
of Spain, and, in 1736, had become so numerous in 
the Spanish territory that they were formed into 
companies and relied upon by the Floridians as 
allies to aid in the defense of the territory. They 
were called by the Indians "Seminole," which 
means "runaway." 

In 1738 a messenger was sent by the Colonaial 
Government of South Carolina to the Governor of 
St. Augustine, demanding the delivery of the fugi- 
tive negroes, which was refused. This raised a con- 
troversy which lasted nearly a century, caused the 
Seminole war and a vast expenditure of blood and 
treasure. The constant escape of slaves and the 
grievances arising therefrom constituted the prin- 
cipal object for establishing the free colony of 
Georgia, for it was thought that this colony (being 
free) would protect the slave-holder from the 
further escape of his property. However, eight 
years after the colony was formed slavery was in- 
troduced and this brought the Georgia slave-hold- 
ers closer to the exiles in Florida, who had become 
free and, to some extent, prosperous. 

In 1840 a difficulty arose among the Creeks and 
a chief called Secoffee, who, with a large number 
of followers, quit the main tribe, marched south 
and settled in Florida, embracing a small tribe 



which he found there styling themselves Micca- 
sukees. They settled near the exiles, became friends 
and intermarried with them. They also were called 
Seminoles, or runaways. We have no definite in- 
formation that Georgia slaves escaped into Florida 
until 1775, when the Committee of Safety of Geor- 
gia sent a communication to Congress stating that 
a large force of Continentals was necessary to pre- 
vent their slaves from deserting their masters. 
General Lee, commanding the forces in that 
quarter, calleu the attention of Congress to the 
fact that the slaves took refuge with the "Exiles of 
Florida." During the revolution the exiles were 
not molested, and grew in prosperity and influence 
among the Seminoles. 

After the war Georgia made a treaty with the 
Creek Indians at Augusta, in which the Creeks 
agreed to grant to the State of Georgia large tracts 
of land and to restore such slaves as were among 
the Creeks. There is no copy of this manuscript. 
In 1785, the difficulties between the Creeks and 
Georgians growing more series, the aid of Congress 
was invoked. Congress appointed three commis- 
sioners to negotiate a peace with the Creeks. The 
Governor of Georgia also appointed three commis- 
sioners and arranged a time and place for a meet- 
ing. They met at Golphinton, but only two of the 
hundred towns of the Creeks were represented. The 
United States commissioners withdrew and re- 
ported to Congress, but the Georgia commissi mers 
remained and went into a treaty, as if the whole 
Creek nation were represented, and provided for 
the restoration of slaves to their masters. 

In 1786, soon after the ratification of this pre- 
tended treaty, the Creeks began hostilities, murder- 
ing, burning and pillaging all along the frontier. 
Congress was appealed to and sought another treaty 
with the Creeks, but, meanwhile, the Georgia 
authorities had arranged for a meeting with the 
Creeks' chiefs at a place called Shoulderbone, where 
the Creeks seemed to have ratified the treaty of 
Golphinton. This treaty had no effect, moral or 
otherwise, as the Creeks continued to burn, murder, 
and destroy. Georgia invoked the aid of Congress 
for protection against the Indians, and General 
Washington, then President, appointed commission- 
ers to go to the Indian country, ascertain the real 
trouble, and, if possible, make a treaty for the ad- 
justment of all the difficulties Georgia claimed the 
lands ceded, or claimed to be ceded by the treaties 
of Golphinton and Shoulderbone, whiie the Creeks, 
on their side, repudiated the claim that any cession 
of land had been made. The chiefs, warriors and 
commissioners met at Eock Landing, on the Oconee 
River, but the chiefs, understanding that the com- 
missioners had no authority to recede the claimed 
lands, broke off all negotiations, promising, how- 
ever, to remain at peace until another opportunity 
for a meeting might be had. The failure of this 
mission was followed by the appointment of Colonel 
Willett, an officer of the Revolution, to go 'to the 
Creek people and induce their chiefs to meet in 
New York and negotiate a treaty, and in this, he 



22 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



was successful. The chiefs, head-men and warriors 
of the nation were present. Georgia was there, by 
her Senators and Kepresentatives, and General 
Knox, Secretary of War, was appointed commis- 
sioner to negotiate a treaty under the personal 
supervision of the President. The object was ef- 
fected, a treaty was signed on August 1st, 1790 — 
the first treaty ever made by the United States, 
making the title page of our diplomatic history. 

After the treaty had been agreed upon General 
Washington met the chiefs, head-men and warriors 
of the Creek nation in the House of Kepresentatives 
in the presence of Congress and a large concourse 
of people; the treaty was publicly read and the In- 
dians agreed to and signed each clause, in the 
presence of the people. General Washington shook 
hands with the chiefs and their followers, gave 
each a string of wampum and bade them good bye, 
which concluded the ceremony. This treaty con- 
tained a secret clause providing an annuity for the 
Creek chief, and also an annuity for the nation. 
One of the stijmlations of the treaty was that the 
Creeks should do all that they could to restore 
runaways to their masters. As soon as the negroes 
who had taken refuge with them learned (either by 
experience or otherwise (that they were not safe 
in their towns, they fled to those of the lower 
Creeks or Seminoles, and, finally, into Florida, 
wither Jackson pursued them in 1818. A few of 
them were killed, a few restored to their masters 
and a few, in subsequent years, were sent to Ar- 
kansas. This question was one of the serious 
causes of the schism between the Creek nation, 
which led to one part of them following Jackson 
at New Orleans and the other parties espousing the 
cause of the British; and again, in 1817, to the use 
of a part of the Creek tribe to break up the negro 
fort on the Apalachicola Biver, established there 
by Nicholls as a nucleus for the Indian and negro 
confederacy. 

In 1835 the Indians refused to go to Arkansas 
(as they had agreed), largely through the influence 
of the intelligent negroes among them ; it being in- 
sisted upon that the negroes should have none of 
the benefits of the treaty, but must be returned to 
their masters. It was a just provision, in some 
cases, but in others, it was not fair, for the old 
exiles had been among the Indians for so many 
years that they had reared children in the nation 
who had contracted ties of kinship with the In- 
dians, and could not properly be classed as the 
property of any one. 

The first inhabitants of peninsular Florida were 
not the Seminole Indians, but the "Caribs," or 
Caribbean Indians, who were reputed to be canni- 
bals. Buckingham Smith, who explored the Ever- 
glades in 1848, speaking of the islands or keys in 
that region, says in his report to the Secretary of 
the Treasury: "On these islands, in ages that have 
long since passed away, the haughty and ferocious 
Carib cacique dwelt. He and his people were driven 
from their homes by more powerful people, who 
were, in turn, expelled by stronger foes." 

The Seminoles, who were of the Creeks of Geor- 
gia, were pushed by the exigencies of war into the 
Everglade country. In 1814 the Creeks were pun- 
ished by General Jackson for the Fort Mimms mas- 



sacre and other outrages; in 1818, they were 
whipped into submission for their outrages on the 
Georgia frontier on the occasion of the invasion of 
the Spanish province of West Florida by General 
Jackson; and in 1823, two years after Florida be- 
came a possession of the United States, they were 
required to vacate their lands in West Florida and 
move to reservations east of the Suwannee Biver. 
They broke up into innumerable bands and estab- 
tablished villages on Tampa Bay, on the Withla- 
coochee, in Alachua County, on the St. Johns Biver, 
and in the vicinity of Ocala and Micanopy. In 1833 
the treaty of Payne's Landing (about ten miles 
from Silver Spring, on the Ocklawaha Biver) was 
made, whereby they were to move to Arkansas, and 
the attempt to remove them led to the disastrous 
Indian War of 1835 1842, and the subsequent col- 
lisions of 1849 and 1855, which cost the United 
States many millions of dollars and hundreds of 
lives, but, while a majority of the Seminoles were 
removed to Arkansas, one indomitable band clung 
to what they styled "their birthright in the lands 
of their forefathers," and took refuge in the fast- 
nesses of the Everglade region, and are there yet — 
a poor, miserable band of Indians tainted with a 
strong admixture of negro blood — upon whom civi- 
lization is again so rapidly encroaching that they 
must again find some new place of abode. 

In the early part of the Florida war of 1836, 
General Thompson, the United States Indian 
Agent, who was murdered by Osceola, in his effort 
to report to the Government the correct number of 
Indians in Florida, learned from Spanish fishing 
establishments on Tampa Bay and Charlotte Har- 
bor that there were on that coast about 100 Spanish 
Indians in the employment of the Spanish fisher- 
men. They did not speak the language of the Semi- 
noles, had no association with them, and, in the 
opinion of the Spaniards, had never been as far as 
ten miles into the interior. They were expert fish- 
ermen and made their living with their nets and 
the vegetables they could grow in little patches 
around their huts. Now. what has become of these 
Spanish Indians? Did they eventually become ab- 
sorbed by the Seminoles and find their way also 
in the Everglades, fugitives from the wrath of a 
government which was unable to distinguish one 
Indian from another? 

In 1796 Jonathan Dickenson and fourteen per- 
sons, mostly English, while on a voyage from Port 
Boyal, in Jamaica, to Pennsylvania, were driven 
upon the coast of Florida and their vessel wrecked 
in the vicinity of Biscayne Bay, where they were 
discovered and captured by the Indians. They 
made their way, however, along the coast to St. 
Augustine and finally to Charleston. In 1720 he 
published a narrative of the experience in a book, 
the title of which is "God's Protecting Providence, 
Man's Surest Help and Defense in Times of Great- 
est Difficulty and Most Eminent Danger; Evidenced 
by the Bemarkable Deliverance of Bobert Barrow, 
with Divers Other Persons from the Devouring 
Waves of the Sea; Amongst Which They Suffered 
Shipwreck ; and also from the Cruel Devouring 
Jaws of the Inhuman Cannibals of Florida." From 
this book the following extracts are made: 

"We got out sick and lame ashore; also our pro- 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



23 



visions, with spars and sails to make a tent. I 
went with one negro to view the land and seek 
the most convenient place for that purpose. But 
the wilderness country looked very dismal, having 
no trees, but only sand hills, covered with shrubby 
palmetto. I espied a place almost a furlong within 
that beach, and to this place I, with my negro, soon 
cut a passage, the storm and rain continuing. 
Thither I got my wife and sick child, the child 
being only six months and twelve days old. * * * 
These, with others, we got to the place under the 
shelter of some few bushes which broke some of the 
wind, but kept none of the rain from them. I got 
a fire made. The most of our people were getting 
provisions ashore. Our chests, trunks and the rest 
of our clothing were all very wet and cold. 

"About the eighth or ninth hour there came two 
Indian men, both being naked, except for a small 
piece of plaited work of straws, as a clout, fastened 
on behind, like a horse tail in likeness, made of a 
sort of silk grass, from the southward, running 
fiercely, and foaming at the mouth, having no 
weapons but their knives, and forthwith, not mak- 
ing any stop, violently seized the first two of our 
men they met with.* They used no violence, for 
the men resisted not; but, taking them under the 
arm, brought them towards me. Their counte- 
nances were very furious and bloody. They had 
their hair tied in a roll behind, in which stuck two 
bones, shaped, one like a broad arrow, the other, a 
spear head. The rest of our men followed from the 
vessel, asking me what they should dp, whether 
they should get their guns, to kill these two. But 
I persuaded them otherwise, desiring them to be 
quiet, showing their inability to defend us from 
what would follow, but to put their trust in the 
Lord, who was able to defend, to the uttermost. * * 
I thought with myself to give them some tobacco 
and pipes, which they greedily snatched from me, 
and making a snuffling noise like a wild beast, 
turned and ran away. * * * Within two or three 
hours after the departure of the two Indians, some 
of our people being near the beach or strand, re- 
turned and said the Indians were coming in a very 
great number, all running and shouting. About 
this time the storm was much abated, the rain 
ceased, and the sun appeared, which had been bid 
from us several days. The Indians all went to the 
vessel, casting forth whatever they could lay hold 
on, except rum, sugar, molasses, beef and pork. 

"But their Caffekey (for so they called their 
king), with about thirty more, came down to us 
in a furious manner, having a dismal aspect, and 
foaming at the mouth ; their weapons were large 
Spanish knives, except their Caffekey's, who had a 
bagonet, which belonged to the master of our ves- 
sel. They rushed in upon us and cried, 'Nicka- 
leer! Nickaleer!' We understood them not a 
first, they repeating it to us so often. At last they 
cried, 'Espania,' or 'Spaniard,' by which we un- 
derstood them, that they at first meant English; 
but they were answered to the latter in Spanish, 
'Yea,' to which they replied 'No Spania, no;' but 
all cried, 'Nickaleer! Nickaleer!' We sitting on 
our trunks, chests and boxes, and some on the 
ground, the Indians surrounded us; we stirred nor 
moved not, but sat, all, or most of us, very calm 



and still, some of us in a good frame of spirit, be- 
ing freely given up to the will of God. 

"Whilst we were thus sitting, as a people almost 
unconcerned, these bloody-minded creatures placed 
themselves each behind one, kicking and throwing 
away the bushes which were nigh, or under their 
feet; the Caffekey had placed himself behind me, 
standing on the chest which I sat upon ; they all 
having their arms extended, with their knives in 
their hands, ready to execute their bloody design, 
some taking hold of some of us by the heads with 
their knees set against our shoulders; in this pos- 
ture they seemed to wait for the Caffekey to begin. 
They were high in words which we understood not. 
But on a sudden, it pleased the Lord to work won- 
derfully for our preservation, and instantly all 
these savage men were struck dumb, and like men 
amazed, the space of a quarter of an hour, in which 
time their countenances fell and they looked like 
another people. They quitted their places they 
had taken behind us and came in amongst us, re- 
quiring to have all our chests, trunks and boxes 
unlocked, which being done, they divided all that 
was in them. Our money the Caffekey took unto 
himself, privately hiding it in the bushes; then 
they went to pulling off our clothes, leaving each 
of us only a pair of breeches, or an old coat, except 
my wife and child, Kobert Barrow and our master, 
from whom they took but little this day. Having 
thus done, they asked us again, 'Nickaleer; Nicka- 
leer!' But we answered by saying, 'Pennsylvania.' 

"We began to inquire about Augusteen, also would 
talk of St. a Lucea, which was a town that lay 
about a degree to the northward, but they, cun- 
ningly, would seem to persuade us that both towns 
lay to the southward. We signified to them that 
they lay to the northward. We signified to them that 
the Havana, that lay to the southward. These 
places they had heard of and knew which way they 
lay. 

"At length the Caffekey told us how long it was to 
St. a Lucea, by day's travel, but cared not to hear 
us mention St. Augusteen. They would signify, 
by signs, that we must go to the southward. We 
answered that we must go to the northward for St. 
Augusteen. When they could not otherwise per- 
suade us, they signified that we should go to the 
southward for Havana, and that it was put a little 
way. 

"We gave them to understand that we came that 
way, and were on our way northward. 

* * * "After we had travelled about five miles 
along the deep sand we came to an inlet. On the 
other side was an Indian town, being little wig- 
wams made of small poles stuck in the ground, 
which were bended one to another, making an arch 
and covered with thatch of small palmetto leaves. 
Here we were commanded to lie down, and'the Caf- 
fekey came to us, who, with his hand, scratched a 
hole in the sand about a foot deep and came upon 
water, which he made signs for us to come and 
drink; we being extremely thirsty, did, but the 
water was almost salt. Whilst we sat here we saw 
great fires making on the other side of the inlet, 
which some of us thought were being prepared for 
us. After an hour's time being spent here, at length 
came an Indian with a small canoe, from the other 



24 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



side, and I, with my wife and child, and Robert 
Barrow, were ordered to go in. The canoe was 
built just wide enough for us to sit down in. Over 
we were carried, and, being landed, the man made 
signs for us to walk to the wigwams, which we did, 
and the young Indians would seem to be frightened 
and fly from us. We were directed to a wigwam, 
which we understood afterwards to be the Caf- 
fekey's. It was about a man's height to the top. 
Herein was the Caffekey's wife and some old women 
sitting on a cabin, made of sticks about a foot high, 
covered with a mat. They made signs for us to sit 
on the ground, which we did. The Caffekey's wife, 
having a young child, gave it to another woman, 
and would have my child, which my wife was very 
loath to suffer. Yet she would not be denied, but 
took our child and suckled it at her breast, viewing 
and feeling it from top to toe, and at length re- 
turned it to my wife. And by this time was an- 
other parcel of our people come over, and, sitting 
down by the wigwam's side, one Indian brought a 
fish, boiled, on a palmetto leaf, and set it down 
amongst us and made signs for us to eat; but our 
exercise was too great for us to have any inclina- 
tion to receive food. At length our people were 
brought over, and afterwards came our Caffekey. 
As soon as he came to his wigwam he set himself to 
work, got some stakes, and stuck them in a row, 
joining to his wigwam, and tied some sticks, where- 
on were these small palmettoes tied, and fastened 
them to the stakes about three feet high, and laid 
two or three mats, made of reeds, down by his 
shelter, which he made for us to break the wind off 
us, and ordered us to lie down, which we did, as 
many as the mats would hold, and the rest lay on 
the ground by us. The Caffekey went into his wig- 
wam and seated himself on his cabin cross-legged, 
having a basket of palmetto berries brought him, 
which he ate very greedily ; after which, came some 
Indians unto him and talked much. Night came 
on, the moon being up. An Indian, who perform- 
eth their ceremonies, stood out looking full at the 
moon, making a hideous noise, and crying out, act- 
ing like a mad man, for the space of half an hour, 
all the Indians being silent until he had done, after 
which they all made a fearful noise, some sounding 
like the barking of a dog, some making a noise like 
a wolf, and other strange sounds ; after this, one 
gets a log and sits himself down, holding the stick 
or log .upright in the ground, and several others 
getting about him, making a hideous noise, sing- 
ing, to our amazement. At length, their women 
joined in the concert, making the noise mgre ter- 
rible. This they continued till midnight. Towards 
morning were great dews. Our fire being expended, 
we were extremely cold. 

"This morning, the Caffekey looking on us with 
a mild aspect, sent his son with his striking staff 
to the inlet to strike fish for us, which was per- 
formed with great dexterity ; for some of us walked 
down with him, and though we looked very earn 
estly when he threw his staff from him, could not 
see a fish at which time he saw it, and brought it 
on shore on the end. of his staff. Sometimes he 
would run swiftly pursuing a fish, and seldom 
missed the fish when it darted from him. In two 
hours time he got as many fish as would serve 



twenty men. There were others also fishing at the 
same time, so that fish were plenty, but the sense 
of our condition stayed our hungry stomachs, for 
some amongst us thought they would feed us in 
order to feed themselves. 

"The Caffekey went this morning towards our 
vessel. In his absence, the other Indians looked 
very untowardly upon us, which created a fear of 
their cruelty yet to come. 

"This afternoon, we saw a great fire nigh the 
place of our vessel; whereupon,, we concluded that 
our vessel and our boat were burned; whereupon 
we were almost confirmed in our belief that they 
meant to destroy us. About sunset the Caffekey 
came home. We spake to him; he answered us, and 
seemed very affable, which we liked well. Night 
drawing on and the wind shifting northward, we 
removed our shelter and added the mats to it, to 
break the winds off us, which blew cold, and laid 
ourselves on the sand. 

"The 27th of the seventh month; the 1st of the 
week. 

"This morning we again used our endeavors with 
the Caffekey, that we might go to the northward 
for Augusteen. His anwer was, that we should all 
be killed, but at length we prevailed, and he said 
that on the morrow we should go. Hereupon, he 
took three negro men (one of Joseph Kirle's and 
two of mine), and, with a canoe, went up the sound. 

"This day the Indians were busy with what they 
had taken out of our vessel, and would have em- 
ployed all of us to do, some at one thing, some at 
another for them ; but we, not knowing the conse- 
quence, endeavored to shun it, and would deny their 
demands. But some of our men did answer their 
desires in making and sewing some cloth together, 
stringing our beds, mending the locks of the chests, 
etc. Whatever they thought was amiss they would 
be putting upon us to mend, till we wholly refused, 
at which time, I heard a saying, thus (English 

), which startled me; for I did believe they 

had some of our nation in their possession, of whom 
they had heard such an expression. I passed away 
from the wigwam with much trouble. 

"This day, being the first of the week, we having 
a large Bible and a book of Kobert Barclay's, some 
one or other was often reading in them. But as 
most of us sat together Bobert Barrow desired 
our people to wait upon the Lord; in which time 
Robert had a word in season unto us, and after- 
wards went to prayer, all the Indians coming about 
us, the some of the younger sort would be mocking, 
but not to our disturbance. The elder sort stood 
very modestly, the whole time. After prayer ended 
they all withdrew quietly; but some of them, espe- 
cially the Caffekey's eldest son, would take great 
delight in our reading, and would take the Bible 
or other book and give to one or the other to read, 
the sound of which pleased them, for they would 
sit quietly and very attentively to hear us. 

"The Caffekey having been gone the most part of 
the day with three negroes in our boat coming over 
the bar into the inlet; we rejoiced to see our boat, 
for we thought she had been burned. Our negroes 
told us they went up the sound with the Caffekey 
and landed near the place' where our tent had been. 
The chief business was to remove the money from 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



25 



one place to another and bury it. This old man 
would trust our people, but not his own. After 
that was done, they went to the place where our 
vessel was burned. They launched our boat, into 
which the old Caffekey put his chests, wherein was 
our linen and other of our trade. Also, they got a 
small rundlet, which they filled with wine out of a 
quarter cask that was left, and brought sugar out 
of the wreck which was not consumed with the fire. 
By this time the Caffekey and negroes in the canoe 
told us on the morrow we should go with our boat. 
This was cheerful news unto us. All this time, 
some Indians had been out and brought some 
oysters, and the Caffekey gave us some, biddinig 
us take what we had a mind to. A little before 
night the Caffekey opened his chest and boxes, and 
his wife came and took what was in them from him. 
But he seemed very generous to my wife and child 
and gave her several things which were useful to 
her and our child. 

"Our boat was very leaky, so we got her into a 
creek to sink her, so that the water might swell her. 

"The 28th of the 7th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This morning we waited an opportunity to get 
leave to depart, which was granted us, whereupon 
we asked for such things as they did not make use 
of, viz., a great glass, wherein was five or six pounds 
of butter, some sugar, the rundlet of wine and 
some balls of chocolate, all of which was granted 
us, also a bowl to heave water out of the boat. 
But the Caffekey would have a negro boy of mine, 
named Caesar, to which I could not tell what to 
say, but he was resolved on it. We got down to 
the waterside, and set over all our people that were 
to travel, and Joseph Kirle, Kobert Barrow, I, my 
wife and child, with two of our mariners, went in 
the boat and rowed along shore northwards, but 
the Caffekey would have us to have gone with our 
boat up the sound. We supposed the sound was a 
great river, and therefore were not willing to take 
his advice, having no knowledge, but his counsel 
was good, as we found afterwards, for the con- 
venience of passage. 

"The Caffekey and some of our people and In- 
dians went towards the wreck, we rowing along 
shore, and our boat very leaky that one persou had 
employment enough to heave out the water. 

"Just before we left the Indian town several In- 
dians were for taking the little clothes and rags 
we had on; but upon our calling out to the Caffekey, 
he would cause them to let us alone. 

"Solomon Cresson was mightily in one Indian's 
favor, who would hardly stir from his Avigwam, 
but Solomon must be with him, and arm in arm, 
which Indian amongst his plunder had a morning 
gown, which he put on Solomon, and Solomon had 
worn it most of the time we were there; but when 
the time of our departure came, an Indian unrobed 
him, and left only a pair of breeches, and seemed 
very angry. 

"It was high noon when we left our wreck, she 
being burned down to her floor timbers, which lay 
in the sand, we setting forward, some in the boat, 
the rest traveled along the shore; and a little be- 
fore sunset our people came up with an abundance 
of small fish that had been forced on shore, as we 
may suppose, by the storm that drove us on shore, 



they lying far from the water and being much 
tainted, covered the shore for near a mile in length, 
of which our people gathered as many as they 
could carry. About sunset we put ashore to -re- 
fresh ourselves, and take a small respite; also to 
take my kinsman, Benjamin Allen, into our boat 
for this afternoon. In his travel, lie was taken 
with a fever and ague, and we had much trouble to 
get him along,, he having been sick nigh unto death, 
being. first taken the day before we left BlewfielJ's 
Boad, until about a week before we were cast away. 

"One of my negroes had saved a tinder box and 
flint, and we had reserved two knives, by which 
means Ave got a fire, though with much difficulty, 
for our tinder was bad and all the wood salt-Avater 
soaken; which being accomplished, we broiled all 
our fish, feeding heartily on some of them, and the 
rest Ave kept, not knoAving Avhen Ave should be thus 
furnished again, for Avhich some of us were truly 
thankful to the God of our Mercies. 

"Having a large fire, many of us got under the 
lee of it, and others buried themselves in the sand, 
in hopes to get a little sleep, that Ave might be 
someAvhat refreshed, and thereby be the better en- 
abled to travel and some to toav the remaining part 
of the night, but the sand flies and mosquitoes were 
so extremely thick it Avas impossible. The moon 
shining, Ave launched our boat, I and my wife and 
child, the master, Bobert Barrow, my kinsman, 
Allen, Solomon Cresson, Joseph Buckley and the 
master's negro went into our boat; the rest trav- 
eled along shore. About midnight, or a little after, 
our people came by an Indian tOAvn. The Indians 
came out in a great number, but offered no violence, 
more than endeavoring to take from us what little 
Ave had ; but, making some small resistance, the In- 
dians were put by their purpose. They were very 
desirous to have us come on shore, and would hail 
us, but our people would keep us away off. We had 
got among a parcel of breakers, and so had much 
ado to get out to sea. 

The 29th of the 7th month, the 3d of the week. 

This morning about sunrise Ave stood in for the 
lard and looked for our people, but could not see 
them ; therefore, Ave lay by for the space of two 
hours, and at length saw them coming along Avith a 
great many Indians with them. When they came 
abreast of us the Indians wafted us on shore, but we 
refused, perceiving that they Avere wickedly bent; 
they Avould be ever and anon snatching one thing or 
another, at Avhich time our people Avould point to us 
in the boat; but, perceiving that they could not get 
us ashore, in some few hours left them. 

This day noon Joseph Kirle, having his quadrant 
and calendar, took an observation, being in the lat- 
itude of 27 degrees 45 minutes. About 1 o'clock w& 
saw two Indians with bows and arroAvs running to 
meet our people; who, when they saw them, at first 
made a halt, and afterards retreated, at which the 
Indians let fly an arrow Avhich narrowly escaped one 
of them ; Avhereupon they stopped. The Indians 
looked strangely on them, but our people set for- 
Avard and the Indians with them until they came to 
the Indian town. We saw our people go into the 
wigwams, but stayed a very short time, for the In- 
dians were for taking those pieces of canvas they 
had from them. They got some water and set for- 



r. M. b. 



26 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



ward again, the two Indians still following them. 
About this time, we saw a sail to the eastward, and 
we, supposing it at first, to be a brigantine, agreed 
to follow her; but in a small time we made it to be 
a canoe or boat, with two masts and sails. She stood 
in ior shore, but as soon as they espied us she bore 
away ; and when she saw we made not after her she 
stood ashore again for the Indian town. Hereupon 
a fear got amongst us that she might go ashore and 
get strong with men and then come after us ; where- 
upon we rowed very hard, and kept an offing for 
some hours, but finding they came not out, we stood 
towards the shore again. This day was extremely 
hot, and we had not water since we had left the In- 
dian town to the southward of our wreck, called by 
the name of Hoe-Bay, therefore we were desirous to 
get on shore, but when we endeavored it we could 
not, for the seas swelled very much, and came roll- 
ing from the eastward, so that the seas ran very 
hollow and broke almost a mile from the shore. Our 
master said it was impossible to get on shore alive, 
but 1 was desirous of being on shore, and thereupon 
did express myself to the rest of our people; they 
started the danger, which I was sensible of as they, 
yet I could not rest, and insisted on going on shore. 
The master and men said we should not save our 
lives. But, I gained, so that they attempted, and 
were got within a half-mile of the shore, but the 
seas came on so large and hollow that one sea would 
like to have overwhelmed us. We just got a top of 
it before it broke. There was no persuading them 
to go further, but we stood off and designed to keep 
off all night. Our people being very weary, and the 
sun setting, we divided, one-half to go to sleep, the 
other to watch and keep the boat's head to the sea. 
The weather looked as though it would be bad, and 
the sea increased, whereupon I began afresh to 
persuade them to go on shore. All were desirous, but 
thought it impossible. At length we resolved to ven- 
ture, and so, committing ourselves to the protection 
of the Almighty God, we stood in for the shore, and 
made signs to our people that we designed it. And 
it pleased God to order it so, that we went on shore, 
as though there had been a lane made through the 
breakers, and we were carried to the top of the bank 
where we got aged Bobert Barrow, my wife and child 
out of the boat, before ever a sea came to fill us, 
which happened as soon as they were got out; but 
we got our boat out from the wrath of the sea. The 
two Indians were for taking off our clothes, which 
would not cover our bodies, but we, not being will- 
ing to yield, they would snatch a piece from one and 
a bit from another and run away with that, and 
then come again and do the like. These two Indians 
took away what was given to my wife and child, 
which we knew not how to help, but exercised 
patience. 

"We inquired of them how far it was from St. a 
Lucea. One of them speaking a little Spanish, and 
through this and by signs we understood it was not 
far. They made signs that when we came there we 
would be put to a most cruel death, but Ave hoped 
otherwise. 

"At this place, within the land, and over the sound, 
our people said that before it was dark they saw two 
or three houses, which looked white, as though they 
were plastered with lime, which put us in hopes that 



there were Spaniards there ; so we set forwards and 
the Indians directed us for St. a Lucea. They made 
signs that we should come to an inlet of the sea and 
on the other side was St. a Lucea. We traveled 
about four miles and came to the inlet but saw no 
settlement on the other side, so we concluded to lie 
there all night. We saw the track of a large bear 
and other wild beasts, whereupon we set to work 
to get wood and then a fire. Abundance of sand flies 
and mosquitoes hindered our rest; to remedy which 
we digged holes in the sand, got some grass and laid 
it therein to lie upon, in ourder to cover ourselves 
from the flies, which most of us did, but, it being 
extremely cold and firing scarce, we had little com- 
fort. 

"About midnight we sent our people to see if they 
could get off our boat and bring it into the inlet, 
that we might get over to the other side. They went 
and launched her, but the sea was so rough that 
there was no possibility of getting her off, for she 
was soon filled and put to swim, and they, boat and 
all, were driven on shore again. 

"Whilst our people were gone for our boat we es- 
pied some Indians in a canoe with their torch, fish- 
ing. We sent for Solomon, who was gone to launch 
the boat, expecting they would come, seeing fires, 
and we could not tell what to say to them ; but they 
did not. Here we lay watching, for no rest could 
be taken. 

"The 30th of the 7th month, the 2d of tlie week. 

"This morning by break of day we saw a small 
canoe from the other side put off shore with two 
Indians in her going up the river or sound a-fishing. 
We hailed them in Spanish, and as soon as they 
heard and saw us they made to the shore with all 
speed, and away to their town they ran. We, per- 
ceiving they were shy of us, began to doubt of their 
amity, which we had so much depended on; where- 
upon we counselled our people how to deport them- 
selves, especially the negroes. About sunrise we 
saw the Indians coining, running, in a very great 
number, with their bows and arrows, to the inlet, 
where, having five or six canoes, they got into them, 
as many as those canoes could hold ; others took the 
water and swam over to us. They came in the great- 
est rage that possibly a barbarous people could. 
Solomon began to speak Spanish to them, but they 
answered not till they came ashore, some distance 
from us, and then coming, running, upon us, they 
cried out 'Nickaleer! 'Nickaleer!' We all sat still, 
expecting death, and that in the most barbarous 
manner. Those of us who did speak unto them 
could not be heard. But they rushed violently on 
us, rending and tearing those few clothes we had. 
They that had breeches had so many about them 
that they hardly touched the ground till they were 
shaken out of them. They tore all from my wife, 
and, espying her hair lace, some were going to cut 
the hair away to get it, but, like greedy dogs, an- 
other snatched and tore it off. As for our poor 
young child they snatched from it what little it had, 
as though they would have shaken and torn it limb 
from limb. After they had taken all from us but 
our lives, they began to talk to one another, vehe- 
mently, foaming at the mouth like wild boars, and, 
taking their bows and arrows, with other weapons, 
cried out 'Nickaleer;' ' Nickaleer!' Solomon spoke 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



27 



in Spanish to them and told them that we were Span- 
iards, but they would not hear him, and continued 
crying out. 'Xickaleer !' 'Xiekaleer !* withal, draw- 
ing their arrows to the head. But suddenly we per- 
ceived them to look about and listen, and then de- 
sisted to prosecute their bloody design. One of them 
took a pair of breeches and gave it to my wife. We 
had brought our great Bible and a large book of 
Robert Barclay's to this place, and. all being 
stripped as naked as we were born, and endeavoring 
to hide our nakedness, these cannibals took the 
books, and, tearing out the leaves, would give each 
of us a leaf to cover us, which we took from them, 
at which time they would deride and smite us, and 
instantly another would snatch away what the other 
gave us, smiting and deriding us withal. 

■•Robert Barrow, with myself, wife and child, were 
ordered into a canoe to be carried to the other side 
of the inlet, it being a furlong across, four Indians 
being in the canoe to paddle. When we came to the 
other side within a canoe's length or two of the 
shore, a number of Indians, with their bows and 
arrows, came running into the water, having: their 
bows and arrows drawn up, crying out. 'Xickaleer!' 
'NiekaleerF which they continued without ceasing. 
The Indians that brought us over leaped out of the 
canoe and swam ashore, fearing they should be shot. 
But at this juncture it pleased God to tender the 
hearts of some of them towards us. especially the 
Caffekey's wife, and some of the chiefest among 
them, who made instruments to intercede for us and 
stop the vase of the multitude who seemed not to be 
satisfied without our blood. The Caffekey ordered 
some to swim and fetch our canoe ashore, which be- 
ing done, his wife came in a compassionate manner 
and took my wife out of the cauoe, ordering her to 
follow her, which we did some distance from the 
inlet side, and stood till all our people were brought 
over, which, in a little time, was done. But the rage 
of some of them was still great, they thirsting to 
shed our blood: and a mighty strife there was 
amongst them: some would kill us; others would 
prevent it: and thus, one Indian striving with an- 
other. All being got over were to walk along the 
seashore to their town. In this passage we. most of 
us, felt the rage of some of them, either by striking 
or stoning, and divers arrows were shot; but those 
that were for preserving us would watch those that 
were for destroying: and when some of them would 
go to shoot, others of them would catch hold of 
their bows or arm. It was so ordered that not one 
of us was touched with their arrows ; several of us 
were knocked down ; and some tumbled into the sea. 
We dared not help one another, but help we had by 
some of them being made instrumental to help us. 
My wife received several blows, and an Indian came 
and took hold of her hair, and was going either to 
cut her throat or something like it, having his knife 
right -at her throat: but I looked at him. making a 
sign that he should not. so he desisted. At this time 
another Indian came with a handful of sea sand and 
filled our poor child's mouth. By this time the Caf- 
fekey's wife came to mv wife, seeing: her oppressed, 
and they pulled the sand out of the child's mouth, 
and kept by my wife until we got to the Caffekey's 
house, which was about 40 feet long and 25 feet 
wide, covered with palmetto leaves, both top and 



sides. There was a range of cabins (or a barbecue) 
on one side and at the two ends. At the entering 
of one side of the house a passage was maae ot 
benches on each side leading to the cabins. On these 
benches sat the chief Indians, and at the upper end 
of the cabin was the Caffekey seated. A kind of de- 
bate was held amongst them for an hour's time, 
after which Solomon and some others were called to 
the Caffekey and were seated on the cabin where 
the Caffekey talked to Solomon in the Spanish lan- 
guage, but could not hold a discourse. In a little 
time some raw deerskins were brought in and given 
to my wife and negro woman ; and to us men such 
skins as the Indians wear — a piece of plait work of 
straws, wrought of divers colors, and of a triangular 
figure, with a belt of four fingers broad of the same, 
wrought together, which goes about the waist, and 
the angle of the other having a thong to it. coming 
between the legs, and strings to the end of the belt, 
all three meeting together and fastening behind 
with a horse tail, or a bunch of silk grass, exactly 
resembling it, of a flaxen color, this being all the 
apparel or covering that the men wear, and thus 
they clothed us. A place was appointed for us, for, 
being laid on the floor of the house, where we were 
ordered to lie down. However, the place was ex- 
tremely nasty, for all the stones of the berries which 
they eat. and all the nastiness that's made amongst 
them, lay on the floor, so that the place swarmed 
with an abundance of many sorts of creeping 
things; as, a large, black, hairy spider, which hath 
two claws like a crab, scorpions, and a numberless 
number of small bugs. On these mats we lav these 
vermin crawling over our naked bodies. To drive 
them off was like driving: off mosquitoes from one 
where they were extremely thick. 

"The Indians were seated as aforesaid, the Gaffe 
key at the upper end of them ; and the range of cabins 
tienches. he means) was filled with men. women 
and children, beholding us. At length we heard a 
woman or two cry, according to her manner, and 
that, very sorrowfully, one of which I took to be the 
Caffekey's wife, which occasioned some of us to 
think that something extraordinary was to be done 
to us. We heard a strange sort of a noise, which 
was not like the noise made by a man, but we could 
not understand what, nor where it was, for some- 
times it sounded to be in one part of the house, 
sometimes in another to which we had an ear, and 
indeed, our eyes and ears could perceive or hear 
nothing but what was strange and dismal, and death 
seemed to surround us. but time discovered this 
noise to us. The occasion of it was thus: In one 
part of this house, where the fire was kept, was an 
Indian man, having a pot on the fire wherein he was 
making a drink of the leaves of a shrub (which we 
understood afterwards) by the Spaniards is called 
'Caffeena' (probably the Compte root, out of which 
the Indians made a flour or paste), boiling the said 
leaves, after they had parched them in a pot; then 
with a gourd having a long neck and at the top of 
it a small hole which the top of one's finger could 
cover, and at the side of it a round hole of two 
inches diameter, they take the liquor out of the pot, 
and put it into a deep, round bowl, which being al- 
most filled, containeth nigh three gallons. With this 
gourd they brew the liquor and make it froth very 



28 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



much. It looketh a deep brown color. In the brew- 
ing of this liquor was this noise made which we 
thought strange, for the pressing of this gourd down 
gently into this liquor, and the air which it con- 
tained being forced out of the little hole at the top 
occasioned a sound which, according to the time and 
motion given, would be various. This drink, whin 
made and cooled to sup, was in a conch shell, first 
carried to the Caffekey, who threw part of it on the 
ground, and the rest he drank up, and then would 
make a loud 'hem,' and afterwards the cup passed 
to the rest of the Caffekey's associates as aforesaid, 
but no other man, woman or child must touch or 
taste this sort of drink, of which they sat- sipping 
(chattering and smoking tobacco, or some other 
herb instead thereof) for the most part of the day. 

"About noon some fish brought in on small pal- 
metto leaves, being boiled with scales, heads and 
gills, and nothing taken from them but the guts, but 
our troubles and exercises were such that we cared 
not for food. 

"In the evening, we being laid on the place afore- 
said, the Indians made a drum of a skin, covering 
therewith the deep bowl in which they brewed their 
drink, beating thereon with a stick, and having a 
couple of rattles made of a small gourd, put on a 
stick with small stones in it, shaking it; they began 
to set up a most hideous howling, very irksome to us, 
and some time after came some of their young wo- 
men, some singing, some dancing. This was con- 
tinued till midnight, after which they went to sleep. 

"The 1st of the 8th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This day, the Caffekey looked on us pleasantly, 
made presents to some of us, especially to my wife, 
and gave her a parcel of shell fish which are known 
by the name of clams. One or two he roasted and 
gave her, showing that she must serve the rest so 
and eat them. The Indian women would take our 
child and suckle it, for its mother's milk was almost 
gone that it could not get a meal. And our child, 
which had been at death's door from the time of 
its birth till we were cast away, began now to be 
cheerful and have an appetite for food. It had no 
covering but a small piece of raw deer skin, nor a 
shred of linen or woolen to put on. 

"About the tenth hour we observed the Indians 
to be, of a sudden, in motion. Most of the principal 
of them betook themselves to their houses. The 
Caffekey went to dressing his head and painting 
himself, and so did all the rest. When they had 
done so, they came into the Caffekey's house and 
seated themselves in order. In a small time after, 
came an Indian with some small attendance, into 
the house, making a ceremonious motion, and 
seated himself by the Caffekey. The persons that 
came with him seated themselves among the others. 
After some small pause the Caffekey began a dis- 
course which held him near an hour, after which 
the strange Indian and his companions went forth 
to the waterside unto their canoe lying in the sand, 
and returned presently with such presents as they 
had brought, delivering them unto the Caffekey and 
those sitting by giving; an applause. The presents 
were some. few bunches of the herb they made their 
drink of, and another herb (which they use like 
tobacco), and some plaited balls, stuffed with moss, 
to lay their heads on instead of pillows. The cere- 



mony being ended, they all seated themselves again 
and went to drinking caffeena, smoking and talking 
during the strangers' stay. 

"About noon, some fish were brought in. Hunger 
was grown stronger upon us, and the quantity 
given was not more than for each, a mouthful, 
which we ate. The Caffekey ordered the master, 
Joseph Kirle, Solomon Cresson and my wife and 
me, to sit upon their cabin, to eat their fish, and 
they gave us some of their berries to eat. We 
tasted them, but not one of us could eat or suffer 
them to stay in our mouths, for we could compare 
the taste of them to nothing else than rotten cheese 
steeped in tobacco. Some time after we had eaten, 
some of the Indians asked us if we were Spaniards. 
Solomon answered them, 'Yes.' Then, some < f Ihe 
Indians would point to those whose hair was black 
or of a deep brown and say such a one was a 
Spaniard, was of the Havana, and such cf Augus- 
teen; but those whose hair was of a light color they 
were doubtful of. Some would say they were no 
Spaniards. 

"About the third hour in the afternoon the 
strangers went away, and some small time after, 
they having satisfied themselves that most of us 
were Spaniards, told us that we should be sent 
for to the next town ; and they told us that there 
was a 'Nickaleer' off, and we understood them 
(Englishman of Bristol), also, the number of six 
men and a woman ; and that they were to be put 
to death before we should get thither. We were 
silent, although much concerned to hear that report. 
They also told us that a messenger would be sent 
for us, to direct us to the next town, thence to St. 
Augusteen. Night coming on they betook them- 
selves to their accustomed singing and dancing. 

"About the tenth or twelfth hour in the night, 
before the singing and dancing was ended, came a 
stranger armed with bows and arrows. The Caf- 
fekey and his companions entertained him for half 
an hour, which, being ended, we were on a sudden 
ordered to get up. and hurried away with this 
stranger, they not giving us time to see if we were 
all together; and a troop of young Indian men and 
boys followed us for about four miles, all which 
way they pelted us with stones. At length they all 
left us, except two and our guide, but we missed 
Solomon Cresson and Joseph Kirle's boy, and negro 
Ben, which was no small trouble to us. 

"We had travelled about five miles before our 
guide called us to stop, and at some small distance 
was an Indian town, which I suppose our guide 
belonged to, for Indians came thence, with fire and 
water for him, and, with palmetto leaves, they 
made a blast of fire. Here we stayed nigh two 
hours. The flies were very thick and the night very 
cold, so that our naked bodies were unable to en- 
dure it but with grief. At length we left this place. 
The whole night following we were troubled with 
these two young Indians, who would at times be 
abusing one or other of us, singling them out, and 
asking if they were 'Nickaleer' (or En'glisK). " if 
they said 'Nay,' then they would hit them a blow 
or more with a truncheon which they had, and said 
they were. We traveled all night without stopping 
from the aforesaid place. 

"The 2d of the 8th month; the 6th of the week. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



29 



"After sunrise we came up with the wreck of the 
vessel that we heard was cast away. She was staved 
all to pieces, for her keelson was driven on shore. 
We saw sugar hogsheads, ginger and logwood, 
which gave us to suppose that it was one of our 
fleet, and we thought it to be either Burroughs or 
Smith, belonging to Bristol. A mile or more from 
hence we came to an inlet. Our guide told us we 
must swim over, except my wife and Bobert Bar- 
row, but we signified that we could not. He carried 
Bobert Barrow, Joseph, Kirle, me, my wife and child 
Over first, and at length the whole company, for 
it was a great way over. By the time we were all 
got over the day was hot, and my wife quite tired 
and faint, as also, Bobert Barrow and Joseph Kirle 
(whose leg was grown so painful that it overcame 
him). We got under a grape bush for shelter from 
the sun. I sent one of my negroes to seek for water 
for them, but there was none to be had, but he got 
some seaside grapes, which, with resting, refreshed 
the weak and lame. 

"Our guide was for forcing us forward, so we 
traveled about four miles further and met with 
the Caffekey of this town and commander of the 
northern part of this coast. He was an ancient 
man. His beard was gray. He inquired for the 
captain, so our people pointed to Joseph Kirle, 
whereupon he went to him and embraced him. Then 
he asked for our mate or pilot. This man could 
speak Spanish better than any we had met with 
yet, but not so well as to discourse, only to ask 
some questions, and we had three or four amongst 
us could make shift to answer him, for Solomon 
was kept behind. This old Caffekey seemed to have 
compassion on us and said that those people who 
had served us thus, in stripping of us, were rogues ; 
but that we were his comrades or friends. Withal, 
he said, in a few days he would carry us to Augus- 
teen, and thereupon he told us six Englishmen and 
one woman being at his town. We inquired if he 
intended them for Augusteen. But he would shake 
his head, and point to the southward, saying 'Nick- 
aleer, no camerade' (Englishmen were not his 
friends), which words were unpleasant to us. The 
people kept us company till we came to within a 
mile or two of this town, and then thev left us. 
They, going faster, got in before us. Their town 
stood about half a mile from the seashore, within 
the land, on the sound, being surrounded by a 
swamp in which grew white mangrove trees, which 
hid the town from the sea. We were directed to 
the Caffekey's house, which was large and filled 
with Indians, and then ordered to sit down. The 
old. Caffekey fetched some water and then washed 
Bobert Barrow's feet and my wife's, after which 
he got some canvas and crocus ginger bags, which 
they had got out of the vessel that was cast on 
shore, which they distributed amongst us. Joseph 
Kirle had a coat given him, which thev had taken 
from the people of the other vessel, but it was rent 
down the back. My wife had two pieces of sail 
canvas given her. And I, with others, had a crocus 
ginger bag. They gave a piece of a barber's old 
linen shirt, in bigness of a small handkerchief, to 
cover our child. This was all our clothing. Bobert 
Barrow and my wife were quite spent with travel- 
ling barefoot on the sand, having bruised their 



feet, and with stumps, stones and prickles, their 
feet (especially, Bobert Barrow's) had holes hi 
them, that one might have put the top of one's 
thumb in. We were directed to lie down on a 
cabin. The other vessel's company were, one, John 
Smith, master of the 'Nantwich,' a barque belong- 
ing to Bristol, which came out of Jamaica with us, 
with five men and one woman, viz. : Andrew Mur- 
ray, merchant; Andrew Barnes, mate; Hugh Allen, 
John Osier, John Shears, and Cornelius Toker, two 
boys, and a woman passenger named 'Penelope.' 
We took an opportunity to discourse them. They 
were cast awav the same night we were, and their 
vessel, being forced by the storm, they not being 
able for two days before to carry any sail, were 
driven ashore. They got into their boat and so, on 
shore, and in a small time was a great part of their 
wreck driven ashore, amongst which was a barrel 
or more of water, some barrels of beef and pork, 
with their chests and many other things which 
they got. 

"On the morrow they designed to travel to the 
northward, but, Andrew Barnes (their mate), hav- 
ing been a long time addicted with a flux which 
had wasted his body to skin and bone, so that he 
was not able to help himself, they left him and 
traveled a mile or more and came to an inlet which 
they could not pass, whereupon they returned back 
again to take their boat, but, at their return, be- 
fore they could get away with their boat, they 
espied the Indians coming on them, who soon got 
to them and asked in Spanish what nation they 
were; if Spaniards, English or French. But the 
Indians made signs to them to give them their 
clothing, which they readily did. But still they 
inquired, "Of what nation?' At first, they 
answered, 'Spaniards,' but the natives looked so 
furiously that they soon answered, 'Englishmen.' 
Thereupon, every one had it, 'Nickaleer! Nickaleer !' 
Then they very eagerly stripped them of all they 
had on them, after which they drove them away to 
the northward unto their town, but Andrew Barnes 
(being not able to stand or go), was left behind, 
after they had stripped him on the land, naked, 
when they were driven away. Before they got to 
the town the Indian Caffekey gave them some cloth- 
ing and no violence was offered to their persons. 
They had plenty of fish and berries to the time of 
our coming. John Smith and Andrew Barnes had 
their being in the Caffekey's house, and so had the 
woman named Penelope. The rest of Smith's people 
lodged in other Indian houses. But, on our com- 
ing, the old Caffekey told them they must turn out 
and make room for the Spaniards; but Smith and 
Murray would not go and the Indian did not force 
them out. 

"In some time after we had been in the house, 
came an Indian woman laden with baskets of 
berries, mostly of the palm ; some seaside coco 
plums and seaside grapes. Of the two latter, we 
could eat, but of the palm berries we could not bear 
the taste of them in our mouths. We laid our- 
selves on the cabin on that part which was ap- 
pointed us- on the other part the young Caffekey, 
or King, lay, we being parted by a chest which 
stood thereon. Before night was a parcel of large 
fish called drumms brought in. The old Caffekey 



30 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



told Joseph Kirle that those were for the Span- 
iards, and bid them let somebody dress them. He 
also ordered us a pot. They weie soon dressed and 
we ate them. Night being come, the old Caffekey 
inquired after our losses, which Ave, as well as we 
could, gave him to understand, that in our vessel 
was a great deal of clothing and money, which the 
Indians at Hoe Bay had taken from us. He under- 
stood so much of the matter that he grew covetous 
and said he would go and get some of it of them. 

"About midnight, came Solomon Cresson in a 
canoe with two Indians. The old Caffekey began 
to examine him in regard to our vessel, goods, 
money or plate, of which Solomon rendered a fuller 
account to him than we could, which caused him 
to resolve on the morrow to provide men and boats 
and to go down the sound to Hoe Bay, to have 
part with them. He would have had Solomon to 
have gone with him, but Solomon refused. 

"We inquired of Solomon concerning his stay, 
and of the negro, Ben and Joseph (Kirle's boy). 
He said that he was stayed by force, but the negro 
and the boy were asleep in another house when we 
were driven. They had a design in staying of Solo- 
mon which he could not richtly understand, but 
supposed that thev doubted that we were all Span- 
iards, for the Indians of St. a Lucea would sav to 
Solomon that he was a Sr-aniai'd, but most of us 
were not Spaniards, and that we had stolen Solo- 
mon, but Solomon denied it. 

"The 3d of the 7th month; the 7th of the week. 

"This morninng. the old Caffekey, with two 
canoes and ten Indians with him, went hence for 
Hoe Bay. He promised that as soon as he returned 
he would carry us to Augusteen, which he supposed 
would be in six days if he had good weather. But 
this day the wind had got northeast, and it looked 
as though the weather would be stormy. The wind 
increased, and, toward evening, the water in the 
sound did rise that it began to cover the land and 
came into the houses; but we had little or no rain 
till night, then the wind increased and the rain also. 

"The 4th of the 8th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This moiming the wind was violent with rain. 
The King's house was knee deep with water and 
like to continue rising. I removed with my wife, 
child, Bobert Barrow and Benjamin Allen to an 
Indian house that stood on a hill of oyster shells. 
In this house we remained this day. The wind con- 
tinued at northeast, very violent, and by reason of 
much rain, the water rising every hour, the Indians 
began to put their dry berries into their canoes and 
to seek which way to secure them. Several Indians 
betook themselves to their boats and carried what 
they had to some dry land, a considerable distance 
away, where a place was made for their Caffekey, 
or King; but before dav the house which we were 
in was afloat, and the Indians were for turning us 
out. bidding us take an old canoe that had a hole 
in the side of her. almost at the bottom, big enough 
for a man to put his hand through, so that she was 
full of water. In this canoe they woul^i have had 
ufi shift for ourselves, but we were not willing to go. 
The Indians made signs for us to be gone, divers 
times. At length they grew angry and took my 
kinsman, Allen, into the canoe and carried him 
away. In a little time they returned with the canoe 



and bid me and Bobert Barrow be gone. By this 
time, day appeared, the wind and rain still violent. 
I then saw a house on another oyster hill that the 
water was not got over yet, to which I got and 
asked by signs if I might be there. The Indians 
seemed willing, so thither I got my wife and child 
and Bobert Barrow and remained there. All this 
day the wind was violent, it rained and the flood 
continued. We imagined that the sea was broke in 
upon the land and that we should be drowned. The 
house was almost blown to pieces and the Indians 
were often trying to mend it. The chief man of 
this house caused his wife to suckle our child, for 
it was almost famished (its mother having no milk 
in her breast, for we had received no sustenance 
since the storm began). Fresh water was not to 
be had, the land being covered with the sea. The 
Indians offered us some of their berries, which we 
endeavored to eat, but could not, the taste was so 
irksome and ready to take our breath from us, 
when we tried to eat them. But we expected that 
if the flood continued longer we should not need 
for water. Yet, nevertheless, we enjoyed health 
and strength, and hunger growing violent, we would 
be tasting the berries, though we could reap no 
satisfaction. 

"The 6th of the 8th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This morning the flood began to come up in 
the house also. The Indians seemed much con- 
cerned. The storm of wind and rain held till about 
mid-day, at which time the wind shifted southward, 
with the rain, but in some few hours the wind be- 
gan to abate. 

"The 7th of the 8th month, the 4th of the week. 

"By this day noon the water fell many feet, and 
I went down to see our people whom I had left in 
the King's house, and our people remained on the 
cabin, which was almost four feet from the floor. 
The flood had risen within two or three inches of 
the top of the cabin, and they said they expected 
to die there. We began to express our hunger and 
thirst to each other, but there was no help, as vet, 
for either. We went to the springs, but they were 
all as salt as the sea, and we would be striving with 
the berries, but they were so offensive to us that we 
could reap no satisfaction from them. We wenf a- 
begging at times to the Indian women to suckle our 
child, which they would seldom deny. 

"The 8th of the 8th month, the 5th of the week. 

"This day, we got some water to drink, but it 
was very brackish, and at best not verv good. 

"The 9th of the 8th month, the 6th of the week. 

"This day, the young Caffekey returned to the 
house with his chest and other things. 

"The 10th of the 8th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This day we got a meal of fish, the greatest 
plenty we had received since we were here. We 
longed for the old Caffekey's return, and feared that 
the bad weather would lengthen the time. 

"The 11th of the 8th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This morning early came a messenger giving an 
account that the old Caffekey was within some few 
leagues of the town, and that we might expect him 
this forenoon. Within the time, he came in sight. 
We all drew down to the water side to see him. We 
perceived he came in state, having his two canoes 
lashed together, with poles athwart, from one to 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



31 



the other, making a platform which, being covered 
with a mat, on it stood a chest, which was belong- 
ing to us, and my negro boy Caesar (whom the 
Caffekey of Hoe Bay had taken from me), whom 
he had got from the Indians of Hoe Bay. Upon 
this chest he sat cross-legged, being newly painted 
ied, his men with poles setting the canoes along 
unto the shore. Seeing us he cried, 'Wough!' and 
looked very sternly at us. He was received by his 
people with great homage, holding out his hands, 
as their custom is, to be kissed, having his chest 
carried before him unto his house, wither he went, 
the house being filled with Indians. The old Caf- 
fekey began and held a discourse for some two 
hours, giving an account, as we suppose, what he 
heard and saw, in which course he would often 
mention 'Nickaleer,' which caused us to fear that 
all things were not well. After he had told his 
story and some of the elder Indians had expressed 
their sentiments thereof, they drank caff en a and 
smoked till evening. The house being clear, the 
old Caffekey looked very unpleasantly, showed unto 
us several things which he had got, as, a hatchet, 
a knife and a chest and many other things, asking 
us if they were not ours, which we owned. Where- 
upon, he would say they were 'Nickaleer,' or Eng- 
lish. We signified that we had them of the English, 
but that our money was Spanish. Towards the 
evening, Joseph Kirle, myself and Solomon got an 
opportunity to discourse with him. We began to 
urge his promise of carrying us to Augusteen. At 
first, he stated his hardships and labor to Hoe Bay 
and back, and that he must have time to rest before 
he could go out again. Then, he told us the way was 
long, and would be tedious, and that at several 
places we must draw the canoe over land for a 
great distance. He also mentioned how many 
towns there were between this and Augusteen, in 

number, ten. But by night, the conclusion he 

getting an angry countenance upon us told us, 

that at Hoe Bay he was informed that we should 
say we were all Englishmen ; after he said this in 
an angry manner, he turned from us and went 
away. 

"This laid all our hopes in the dust, and we soon 
perceived the Indians grew jealous of us, for they 
would now be daily asking us if we were not 'Nick- 
aleer,' or English, and would not seem satisfied 
with a denial. Many days were spent and the time 
drew nigh that we understood the old Caffekey was 
intending to journey for Augusteen. Hereupon, we 
applied ourselves to him, requesting that, if all 
might not go, he would carry some of us, but he 
told us he would carry but one. This ppt us on 
querying which of us should be that one. The gen- 
erality was for me; but I and Joseph Kirle were 
for Solomon, because he could speak the Spanish 
language well, and no other of us could. And, 
should any other of us have gone and come amongst 
those Indians to the northward, who, we supposed, 
could speak the Spanish language, we should be 
discovered to be what those people supposed we 
were; therefore, it might overthrow all our ex- 
pectations. But Solomon might pass all those ob- 
jections. These reasons did not satisfy our people, 
so that some of them grew choleric, of which the 
old Caffekey took notice, and told Solomon if they 



made such a stir he would not carry one. If he 
did, it should be either Solomon, Joseph Kirle, or 
me. Whereupon, we prevailed with him that Solo- 
mon might go, and accordingly made preparations. 
The Caffekey appointed the number of the Indians 
to go with him, also a canoe was sent for, which, 
when it came, we found to have belonged to the 
English, by the make of her. This canoe had a 
great hole in the head, nigh the bottom, with many 
great rents and holes in her. Joseph Kirle and I 
were required to mend her, which, with much ado, 
we accomplished, the canoe being much decayed 
and rotten where the rents weie. 

"The 18th of the 8th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This day morning, the old Caffekey, with Solo- 
mon and six Indians in a canoe, set out for Augus- 
teen. The Caffekey carried a small chest in which 
was nigh one hundred pieces of eight, as some of 
our people did suppose, with some other matters 
that were gotten from our vessel. The weather was 
likely for rain, which caused us to fear (should the 
weather prove bad) that Solomon would hardly 
live to get to Augusteen, for he had nothing to 
cover him except a pair of Indian breeches and a 
small piece of skin which covered his breast. 

"We understood by the old Caffekey that it would 
be a month, or the next new moon, befoie we could 
expect their return. All which time, we spent in 
much trouble and hardship. The weather began to 
grow cold, and provisions very short. That is, palm 
berries, coco plums and sea grapes (which are the 
three sorts before expressed), the time of these 
fruits being over, they (the Indians) having no 
sort of fruit till next Spring. 

"These people neither sow nor plant any manner 
of thing whatsoever, nor care for anything but what 
the barren sands produce. Fish they have,, as 
plenty as they please, but, sometimes, they would 
make it scarce to us, so that a meal in a iceek was 
most commonly our portion, and three meals a 
rarity. After the old Caffekey's departure, our 
hardships increased, especially my wife's and 
child's, for want of food, of any sort. My wife's 
milk was gone, and our poor child was in great 
want. The Indians now and then would give it 
suck, but rarely to satisfy it, for there was a woman 
or two of their own which had young children and 
no breast to suckle them. Our extremity was such 
that any manner of thing would go down with us. 
The gills and entrails of fish, picked off a dung hill, 
was acceptable. The scraps they threw away and 
the water they boiled their fish in. we were thank- 
ful for, though never so undecently handled by 
them. And, though my wife had hardly any milk 
for our child, yet, an Indian woman who was lately 
delivered of her child, and had no milk, would have 
had her to suckle her child, which my wife con- 
sented to. And this was a means of her and our 
child reaping a benefit, which means helped to in- 
crease the milk for our child. 

"Many were our exercises, both in body and 
mind, amongst this people. Sometimes they would 
look upon us as though they had ill intent towards 
the whole of us; at other times, they would tell us 
(who were, nominally, 'Spaniards') how and in 
what manner those of Smith's company would be 
put to death. And thus, were we exercised daily, 



32 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



in sorrow and grievous troubles. Sometimes, 
doubt would arise amongst us concerning what 
would be the end of us, and what manner of deaths 
we should pass through, and whomsoever these 
doubts did appear in, it would be hard for another 
to held with couusel. But some there were, whose 
hope never failed, they trusting in the Lord to work 
for our deliverance. One thing did seem more 
grievous to me and my wife than any other thing, 
which was, that if it should so happen that we 
should be put to death, we feared that our child 
would be kept alive, and bred as one of those 
people. When these thoughts did arise, it wounded 
us deep. 

"This day, being the time of the moon's entering 
the first quarter, the Indians have a ceremonious 
dance, which they begin about 8 o'clock in the morn- 
ing. In the first place, comes an old man and 
takes a staff about eight feet long, having a broad 
arrow on the head thereof, and thence, half way, 
painted red and white, like unto a barber pole. In 
the middle of this staff is fixed a piece of wqpd, 
shaped like unto a thigh, leg and foot of a man, 
and the lower part thereof is painted black. And 
this staff, being carried out of the Caffekey's house, 
is set fast in the ground, standing upright. This 
done, he also brings out a basket containing six 
rattles, which are taken out of the basket and 
placed at the foot of the staff. Then, another old 
man comes and sets up a howling like unto a 
mighty dog, but beyond him, for length of breath, 
withal, making a proclamation. This being done, 
the most of them having painted themselves, 
some red, some black, some with black and red, 
with their bellies girt up as tight as they can girt 
themselves with ropes, having their sheath of ar- 
rows at their backs and their bows in their hands; 
being gathered together about this staff, six of the 
chiefest men in eighteen amongst them, especially 
one who is their doctor, and much esteemed, taking 
up the rattles, begins a hideous noise, standing 
'round this staff, taking their rattles and bowing 
without ceasing unto the staff for about half an 
hour. Whilst these six are thus emplo.yed all the 
rest are staring and scratching, pointing upwards 
and downwards, on this and the other side, every 
- way, looking like men frighted, or more like 
'furies,' thus deporting themselves until the six 
have done shaking their rattles. Then they all be- 
gin a dance, violently stamping on the ground, for 
the space of an hour or more, without ceasing. In 
which time, they will sweat in a most excessive 
manner, so that by the time the dance is over, what 
by their sweat and the violent stamping of their 
feet, the ground is trodden into furrows, and, by 
the morning, the place where they danced was cov- 
ered with maggots. Thus often repeating the per- 
formance, they continue till about 3 or 4 o'clock 
in the afternoon, by which time, many were sick 
and fainty. And then, being gathered into the Caf- 
fekey's house, they sit down, having some hot caf- 
feena ready, which they drink, plentifully, and give 
greater quantities thereof to the sick and fainty 
than to others. Then they eat berries. On these 
days, they eat not any food till night. 

"The next day about the same time they began 
their dance as they did the day before. Also, the 



third day, they began their dance at the usual time. 
At which time, came many Indians from other 
towns and fell to dancing, without taking any 
notice, one of the other. 

"This day they were stricter than the other two 
days, for no woman must look upon them, but 3 if 
any of their women went out of their houses, they 
go veiled with a mat. 

"The 25th of the 8th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This day was a day of plenty to us, for we had 
as much fish and berries as would, ordinarily, serve 
us for two days. This day we observed that great 
baskets of dried berries were brought in from divers 
towns and delivered to the King, or young Caffekey, 
which we supposed to be a tribute to the King of 
the town, who is chief of all the towns from St. 
a Lucea to the northward of this town of Jece. 

"The 27th of the 8th month, the 3d of the week. 

"This day was a bag of berries (the bag made of 
grass) given us, which we eat in two or three days, 
and then we fasted as many days before the young 
Caffekey would give us more. 

"About this time John Smith and Andrew Mur- 
ray were sharply seized with a fever and ague on 
them and the Indians would mock and deride them. 
This, we have well observed, that these people have 
no compassion on their own age declining people 
when they were past their labor, nor on others of 
their own which lay under any declining condition, 
for the younger is served before the elder, and the 
elder people, both men and women, are slaves to 
the younger. 

"In this place we saw many tokens of some of 
our nation having fallen into the hands of these 
people, as two Englishh canoes, one of cedar, the 
other of cotton tree (like those of Jamaica), several 
blocks and sheaves of lignum bitae, several tools 
and knives, and, more particularly, a razor, on the 
haft of which was writ the man's name, thus, 
'Thomas Foster.' Some of these things looked as 
though they had been several years amongst them, 
some, but a few. But we never dared to inquire, 
for we thought they brought somethings in our view 
to try us. 

"There was a man in this town who for some 
years past had been taken off by some of our Eng- 
lish sloops for a diver on the wreck to the eastward 
of Cuba, where he was, for some time, but the vessel 
putting into Cuba for water this Indian swam on 
shore and got to Havana, thence to Augusteen, and 
so, to his native town. The greatest charge this 
man had against the English Avas for having taken 
him and his people away, not but what he was well 
used amongst them. This Indian would often call 
Joseph Kirle, Solomon Cresson and some of us into 
his house, seeming very cheerful, asking if they 
would eat, withal, asking the names of the berries, 
expecting that we would call them after the English 
manner (plums), but perceiving his drift and hav- 
ing learned the name of them, as the Spaniard calls 
them (vvaes), then he would tell us that the Eng- 
lish called them 'plums.' Such sort of discourse we 
had at times, for he would be striving to trap us, 
viz., Joseph, Solomon and me. in words, but he 
never had an advantage, for when Solomon was 
gone we shunned all his invitations and arguments. 

"The 31st of the 8th month, the 7th of the week. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



33 



"This day there came in a canoe laden with fish, 
and it was free for those who would take as much 
as they pleased. The Indians put us to go and 
take, for it was a kind of a scramble amongst us 
and the young Indian men and boys. All of us 
got fish enough to serve us three or four days. 

"The 2d of the 9th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This morning, about sunrise, came two strange 
Indians, who had run so hard that they sweated 
extremely, of whom we understood that Hie Span- 
iards were coming with their old Caffekey, which 
news surprised us, doubting the truth of it, for Hol- 
omon had been gone but sixteen days, and we un- 
derstood that they must have an extraordinary pas- 
sage to be here in a month. We had not long to 
consider of the matter, for, in an hour's time we 
heard four muskets discharged, and immediately 
we looked out and the Spaniards, in their 'pirogue' 
were in sight. The Indians were like a people 
amazed and overcome with fear. We perceived (he 
noise of a gun was terrible unto them. The 'Span- 
iards landed, being in number, twelve, Sebastian 
Lopez commanding the soldiers, with one Indian 
(?n interpreter). The Spaniards embraced us very 
cheerfully, ad expressed their being glad to find us 
alive. But we were not able to discourse with each 
other, though we had enough Spanish at our com- 
mand to ask questions and answer some part of. 
what they asked us. One of the Spaniards said they 
could not speak English, nor could we speak Span- 
ish enough to understand each other sufficiently. 
This the Indians immediately perceived, and cried 
out, 'Mckaleer! Nickaleer!' and looked enviously 
on us, so that, could they have had their wills, we 
believe they would not have suffered us to live many 
hours, but the Spaniards awed them. 

"We received a letter from Solomon, which he 
writ when he met with Captain Sebastian Lopez, 
signifying the Governor of Augusteen's great care 
for our preservation, of what nation whatsoever we 
were. But how these persons, or the Governor of 
Augusteen, had knowledge of us we could not un- 
derstand, for they had been fourteen days from Au- 
gusteen, which was nigh the time Solomon went 
hence, and they met Solomon about half way and 
sent him for Augusteen with other guides, bringing 
the old Caffekey and his people with them. We ob- 
served that the old Caffekey seemed much dejected. 
We supposed the Spaniards had taken from him the 
money, and what other things he had carried with 
him, or that he was vexed he should be so deceived, 
in taking us for Spaniards. 

"The Spaniards were extraordinarily kind to us, 
so that we had occasion to rejoice and thank the 
Lord for this part of our deliverance by their means. 
They were also a terror unto the Indians, for they 
searched their houses and took all from them that 
they ever could find, even to the stub of a nail, which 
aggravted them and increased their disaffection to- 
ward us, so that we dared not stir from a Spaniard. 
The Sanpish captain made inquiry where we were 
cast away and what was saved or that we had in our 
vessel. "We gave an account, as well as we could, to 
make him understand us, which account made him 
very desirous to go down thither, but looking over 
a paper, often, which we supposed was the Gover- 
nor's order and instructions to him, we understood 

5 — P. M. B. 



they would not permit him to prosecute his design. 
Besides we made him sensible of the danger we were 
in if he and his men should go and leave us amongst 
this people who were so bitterly incensed against us. 

"They (the Spaniards) inquired what became of 
the boat that belonged to Smith's vessel and ours. 
We told them that these Indians had taken Smith's 
boat and sunk her somewhere in the sound, but that 
ours was at St. a Lucea. The Spaniards made the 
Indians go and show where they had sunk Smith's 
boat, and made them help our people to get her up, 
which being done, she was brought to the town. The 
Spaniards were mightily pleased with her, proposed 
that they, in their canoe, and our people in that 
boat, should go to Hoe Bay, whereby they might get 
all from the Indians which they had got from us, 
but we would not countenance the matter. We were 
for as speedy departing from amongst these people 
as we could, since it had pleased God to open a way 
for our deliverance. 

"This morning the Spanish captain made the In- 
dians provide two canoes, which he caused to be 
lashed together at some distance, with sticks across 
and matted at the top; which being done, with four 
Indians, Joseph Kirle, John Smith, Robert Barrow, 
Andrew Murray, Benjamin Allen, Nathaniel Ran- 
dal, John Shears, Cornelius' Toker, Joseph Kirle's 
boy, John Hilliar, four negroes, viz., Jack, Caesar, 
Sarah and Quenza, were sent away for Augusteen, 
but not one morsel of victuals (except a few ber- 
ries) had they with them, and not one Spaniard to 
guard them, but they were put under the govern- 
ment of those four Indians. About an hour after 
Joseph Kirle was gone, the Spanish captain ordered 
Smith's boat to be got ready, with two Spaniards 
and four of our men, to row to the place where the 
drift of Smith's vessel was, to look for log-wood or 
old iron. When they returned, there was not any- 
thing of value, but our people said that, as they Avere 
searching about, they found the bones of Andrew 
Barnes ; his skull and jaw-bone were broken, which 
occasioned us to suspect that he was knocked on the 
head by the Indians, after they had driven away 
Smith and his people. 

"We told the Spanish captain that Joseph Kirle's 
negro Ben had been absent ever since the day after 
Solomon Cresson went hence, being gone with the 
old Caffekey's wife, but we knew not whither. The 
captain made inquiry of the Indians whither he was 
gone. They said, for Hoe Bay; then he ordered 
them to send for the negro, for he would not leave 
him behind. The Indians said he would be here in 
a day op two. 

"The Spaniards were continually searching for 
what they could find, of such things as the Indians 
had gotten from us and others, and when they couhl 
find no more they would offer to buy with tobacco 
what they could persuade the Indians to bring to 
light. A leaf, or half a leaf of tobacco would pur- 
chase a yard of linen or woolen or silk from the In- 
dians. Such admirers of tobacco are they that thev 
esteem it beyond any other thing. 

"An Indian of this town, some time before the 
Spaniards came, having a considerable quantity of 
ambergris, boasted that when he went to Augusteen 
he could purchase of the Spaniards a looking- glass, 
an ax, a knife or two or three or four mannocoes 



34 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



(which is about five or six pounds) of tobacco. The 
quantity of ambergris might be about five pounds in 
weight. 

"The 4th of the 9th month, the 4th of the week. 

"This day, we made oars for Smith's boat with 
sticks and the can tie pieces of sugar hogsheads 
which were gotten on the beach, where the drift of 
Smith's vessel came on shore. And this evening 
came the old Caffekey's wife with Joseph Kirle's 
negro, 'Ben,' and Joseph Kirle's boat, which was of 
great advantage to help to carry us. We worked all 
this night to fit the boat and oars unto her, intend 
ing to go away as soon as we could complete this 
job. 

"The Spaniards had brought but little provisions 
with them, so that there was not much to spare for 
us, having only a row of corn and a little Nova 
Spain bread, which was so bad it was more dust and 
dead weevils than bread. An handful was an accept 
able present to us. We would mix it with a little 
water, making it to a paste, which would eat pleas- 
antly, but hunger was no stranger unto us, and we 
knew not that we should have any victuals on the 
journey ; however, our deliverance seemed to over- 
balance all. The Indians would not give us any ber- 
ries, but our people watched an opportunity and 
took one of the Caffekey's bags of berries, which 
might contain about a bushel, which is all that one 
and thirty of us had to depend on. 

"The 5th of the 9th month, the 5th of the week, 
1696. 

"This morning about three hours before day we de- 
parted from this town of Jece. The weather was 
grown cold, we had nothing wherewith to cover our 
bodies (besides what the Indians gave us at first) 
excepting my wife, for whom the Spaniards got an 
old jacket, which had been one of Smith's men's, 
and gave her to wear; also a small piece of cloth to 
cover our poor child. But it pleased God to strength- 
en us in this, our condition, so that we rowed all 
this day without ceasing until three hours after it 
was dark, by which time we got to an Indian town. 
Here we met with Joseph Kirle, Kobert Barrow and 
the others, who got thither not above an hour or two 
before us. They had not received any manner of 
sustenance from the time they left until they got 
some berries of us, having lain one night of the two 
in a swamp, but they were as cheerful as men could 
be in this strait. 

"Since they had left us, amongst their other hard- 
ships, Joseph Kirle had liked to have lost his life 
several times. The first was thus : Whilst the two 
canoes were lashed together, having a few berries 
that were designed to have been shared amongst 
them, the Irish boy, Cornelius Toker, would ever 
and anon be taking some of them; who, being often 
reproved by Joseph Kirle and others, would not 
desist; whereupon, Joseph Kirle, with the paddle 
he paddled the canoe with, struck him; thereupon 
an Indian took his bow and arrow and was going 
to shoot Joseph, who seemed little concerned 
whether he lived or died, the Indian saying that the 
Spaniards would justify him. 

"Another time, when he was spent with paddling 
the canoe, and desired John Smith, Andrew Murray 
and others of them as well able as himself to give 
him a spell, which they refused; and he, being not 



able to paddle any further, laid down his paddle, 
whereupon the Indians commanded him to paddle. 
He refused, saying they might kill him if they would, 
opening his breast for them to execute their wills, 
which they seemed as though they would have done, 
but, after great threatening, they desisted. 

"Another time, the wind being high and the seas 
rough, they were forced to unlash their canoes, by 
Joseph Kirle's persuasion, and go single, Joseph 
Kirle taking one canoe to his own management, hav- 
ing Kobert Barrow, his boy, my kinsman, Nathaniel 
Randal, and the negroes in her; which being thus 
single from the other company, was more satisfac- 
tory to them than before, though none to help but 
Nathaniel Randal. My negro woman, named Sarah, 
having beaten and abused a girl named Quenza, be- 
ing often reproved by him and Robert Barrow, she 
thereupon, abused them in an extraordinary man- 
ner; whereupon Joseph struck her with his paddle; 
at which one of the Indians darted at him with his 
striking staff, narrowly missing him. 

"This morning Joseph Kirle, with those that were 
with him, were, by the Spanish captain, ordered 
away at break of day, he not taking any care to give 
them a little sustenance; and, about an hour or two 
after, we followed, rowing all this day, without ceas- 
ing, until an hour or two into the night; by which 
time we got to an Indian town, where not anything 
was to be had but water. About two hours after us 
came Joseph Kirle. The Spanish captain would not 
allow them to come on shore, but ordered them to 
keep on, that we might get, next night, to the place 
where we must haul our boats overland from one 
sound unto another. 

"The 7th of the 9th month, the 7th of the week. 
"This morning we set forward very early and rowed 
hard. About noon we got to a parcel of marshy 
islands, amongst which we were to go up creeks. 
The passage was very difficult to find. At length, 
when we were nigh an Indian town, the Spaniards 
hallooed and an Indian came out into the marsh, but 
was very loath to come near us. At length he came 
wading up to us, to be our pilot. We set forward, 
and in an hour's time we got to the place where 
Joseph Kirle and those with him were. The Indians 
that were with Joseph would not let him proceed 
further until we came up with them. In half an 
hour's time we got to the place where we were to 
haul our boats overland, it being about a quarter of 
a mile from sound to sound. At this place the sea 
wa.s half a furlong from us. The Spanish capTain 
gave the Indian we last took in a piece of a leaf of 
Tobacco, commanding him to go with all speed and 
bid his Caffekey with all his able men to come and 
help us to haul our boats overland ; but we set to 
work #nd had them over by the time the Indians 
came. The Spanish captain gave the Caffekey a 
lea f or two of tobacco for him and discharged them ; 
only ordered the Caffekey to send some men a-fishing 
for him, which he did, and before night brought a 
stately parcel of fish; but none of our people had 
any part of it, except my wife and Penelope. What 
they did not eat they kept to carry away with them. 

"A little before night sprang up a storm of wind 
and rain at the northeast. It seemed likely to be a 
dismal night of wind and rain and we were got 
to a place where there was not a tree or shrub, or 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



35 



any manner of shelter, and the wind so very cold 
that we thought we should not live till the next day. 
We had no wood to make a fire with, and what to 
do we could not tell, but we were resolved to try 
to get some wood, and in order thereto, some of the 
ablest of us went along the bay to search for drift- 
wood, and found a little; but rain came with the 
night, and there was no shelter to be had but our 
boats, and the Spaniards would not let us meddle 
with them, to turn them bottom upward for shelter, 
which seemed very hard; but they had made them- 
selves some shelter with mats. We were forced to 
exercise patience, and with what salt-water wood 
we had made as good a fire as we could and laid 
ourselves down on the sand by it, and it pleased 
God we had a comfortable night, beyond our ex- 
pectations, only the cold was very sharp. 

"The 8th of the 9th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This morning we set forward, but the water was 
so low that we were forced to wade, and thrust the 
boat along for some miles. At length we got into a 
ueep channel, where was nothing to be seen but 
lnaisii and water, and no fast lanu nor trees. About 
lu o ciock we iieard three or tour niuskets tired a 
little anead ot us m tne channel we were in. Uur 
Spaniards presently answered thein with the like, 
and in a iiitie time we met. This was a 'pirogue' 
to join tnat which came tor us, having orders to go 
to tne place where we were cast away and to get 
what was to be had from the Indians ; but this otuer 
boat turned back, for there was no place to go on 
shore. And in an hour or two's time we got into 
the other sound where the land was not to be seen 
from side to side in some places. The like was in 
the other we came through. About an hour before 
sunset we got to an Indian plantation (this was 
the first place where we saw anything planted ) , be- 
ing full of pumpkin vines, and some small pump- 
kins on them; but the Spaniards were too quick for 
us, and got all before us. Some of us got a few as 
big as one's fist. ^Ye had a fire there, yet had not 
patience to dress the pumpkins as they should be, 
but put them into the fire, roasted them and ate 
them. The Spaniards used a great deal of cookery 
with their pumpkins. And the 'pirogue' that had 
come from Augusteen had brought bread, corn and 
strung beef ; but it was kept from us, except a piece 
of strung beef the captain of the Spaniards gave my 
wife as big as a stick of sealing wax, wdiich was 
treasured up, expecting it would be harder with us 
when we left these people. Here Captain Sebastian 
Lopoz drew up a writing, and would have me and 
Joseph Kirle to sign it, which was refused. For we 
perceived he had a design, especially against me, to 
oblige me to give him some of my negroes. We an- 
swered him short, that I reckoned myself and ne- 
groes at the Governor of Augusteen's disposal, and 
we would sign no writing. We borrowed a pot and 
boiled pumpkin leaves, having nothing to put on 
them but water, which w r as satisfactory. But this 
night was more terrible than the last, the w y ind be- 
ing from the northwest. It did not blow hard, yet 
it was very cold; we lying in an open field without 
any shelter, one side of us w T ould scorch while the 
other was freezing. Our woman, Hagar's little boy, 
Cajoe, was seized with convulsion fits about two in 
the morning, which was chiefly occasioned by the 



cold and want of food. But help there was not for 
us. The Spanish captain came to see the child, and, 
supposing that it would die, asked if the child was 
a Christian? He was answered, As good an one 
as he could make it.' But he called for some water, 
putting some of it on the crown of the child's head 
and crossing it, called him 'Francisco.' This ac- 
tion pacified its father and mother. 

''The 9th of the 9th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This morning we were to go forward and the 
Spaniards were to return to the place where we 
were cast away ; but our two boats could not carry 
us all, therefore, we had the Spaniards' great pir- 
ogue to carry us one day's journey further to an In- 
dian town, four Spaniards being with us, three of 
whom were to bring the pirogue back; the other was 
to be our guide to Augusteen. We departed and met 
with an intricate passage, for sometimes w e would 
be aground on oyster banks and shoals and almost 
out of sight of land. About two or three in the after- 
noon we had no water to go any further; the wind 
being northwesterly, drove the water out of the 
sound, but being nigh the shore (where had been an 
Indian town), we went on shore and found some 
ripe berries on the palm shrubs, which we were very 
earnest after till such time as a storm of wind and 
rain began to come upon us and night nigh at hand, 
whereupon we al 1 got together considering what we 
should do, since there was no possibility of getting 
shelter here. Our Indian guide said we might go 
to an Indian town about two leagues off. which we 
were glad to hear, for it rained hard. So we, with 
our guide, set forward and walked over a parcel of 
scraggy, shrubby hill to the seashore, along which 
we traveled until we got to an Indian town, where 
we got plenty of berries for our supper. It rained 
much till toward morning. 

"The 10th of the 9th month, the 3d of the week. 

"This morning the Indians were not willing to 
stay any longer, and we were by our guide re- 
quired to depart, which we did, and a great many 
young Indian men followed us some miles along the 
bay and offered violence to Bobert Barrow and sev- 
eral others; but they were easily stopped by our 
showing them a rusty musket presented towards 
them, and so they left us. We had an untoward 
passage along the seashore athwart the land to the 
Indian town, the ground being swampy and partly 
scraggy hills, which to our bare feet were very trou- 
blesome. This was a large town, and there w'as an- 
other large town about a mile distant, in sight 
Thither part of our company was sent to be quar- 
tered. At this town about a twelve-month since, a 
party of Dutchmen were killed, who, having been 
cast away on the Bohemian shoals in a flat which 
they built, escaped thither, and were here devoured 
by these cannibals, as we understood by the Span- 
iards. The flat or boat our people saw, but they 
seemed kind to them, giving our people fish and ber- 
ries to eat. We remained at these tw r o towns till 
next morning. The Indians at the town I was at 
were not so kind as those at the other town had 
been. Some of our people were for se'ling their rags 
to the Indians for fish, but we thought it was nec- 
essary of the two extremes to defend against the 
cold, for every day grew colder than the day before 



36 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



and we feared that if we were much longer exposed 
to it, we should not live it out. 

"The 11th of the 9th month, the 4th of the week. 

"This morning, leaving this town we embarked in 
our two boats, and those of our people tnat were at 
the other town were to have a large canoe to carry 
them thence, and we were to meet in the sound. We 
rowed several leagues and did not meet them, it 
being about 10 o'clock, the Spaniard would go on 
shore and travel back by land to see after them. W T e 
being by an inlet of the sea which was a mile over, 
the Spaniard ordered us to go on the other side and 
stay there for him, which we did, for many hours 
At this place. we all went upon the search to see if 
anything was to be had for the belly, some on the 
land, some in the water. The land yielded nothing, 
but in the water we got a sort of shell fish called 
'water soldiers,' which we ate. At length the canoe 
with our people came, but the Spaniard was not 
come, but, in about an half an hour's time he came 
with a small canoe. This was the place where Sol- 
omon met the Spaniards. The canoes had each two 
Indians to set them along, and we had one Indian 
for our guide named Wan Antonio, who, the Span- 
iard said, was a Christian but an inhabitant of that 
town where the Dutchmen were killed. We set for- 
ward in our two boats and the two canoes and rowed 
till night, being nigh a place of thicketty wood 
which we chose to lodge in for this night. Here was 
wood enough. We made large fires, were pleased 
with the place and lay down to rest. About mid- 
night I had a great loss, having a quart of berries 
whole and as much pounded to mix with water to 
feed our child with; the fire being disturbed, the 
cloth which we had our food in was burned. All 
was lost, and nothing was to be had until we could 
get to the Spaniards, which was two days' march, 
at least. About an hour after this, the wind rose 
in the northwest and it began to rain, but, having 
small palmettoes, which grew nigh, Joseph Kirle 
and I fell to work and made a shelter which would 
keep ten or more of us from the weather. We had 
no sooner completed our w r ork, than it rained hard. 
In this showier the four Indians got from among us, 
took their canoes and away they went, back again. 
When day appeared we missed them, upon which we 
went to the water side, where we found the tw r o 
canoes gone and now we were in a great strait; but 
the Spaniard said that those that could travel best 
must go by land. The persons pitched upon were 
Richard Limpeny, Andrew Murray, Cornelius Toker. 
Joseph Kirle's boy, John Hillard and Penelope, with 
seven negroes, named Peter, Jack, Caesar, Sarah, 
Belle, Susanna and Quenza. The Spaniard and the 
Indian Wan Antonio went with them, to direct them 
the way, carrying them overland to the seashore and 
then directing them to keep to the seashore along 
to the northward. 

"They returned to us and we, with our two boats 
rowed all day without ceasing till sunset, and when 
we put on shore the place w^as an old Indian field 
on a high, bleak hill, where had been a large Indian 
house, but it was tumbled down. Of the ruins of 
this house we made a shelter against the northwest 
wind, which began to blow very bleak. The Span- 
iard went to the sea, which was not two miles off, to 
see if our people had passed, and at his return he 



said they were gone by. We asked could they reach 
to any house or Indian town for shelter? For we 
supposed that should they be without fire this night 
they could not live. He said they must travel all 
night. Night came on. We had a fire and wood 
enough, and had gathered a great heap of grass to 
lie on, hoping to have got some rest, but the north 
wind increased and the cold was so violent that we 
were in a lamentable condition, not able to rest, 
for as we lay or stood, close to the fire, it would 
scorch us, and the side from it was ready to freeze. 
We had no other way but to stand or keep running 
for the most part of the night. We all thought we 
never felt the like. The Spaniard that was clothed 
found it as hard to bear as we, who were naked. At 
length day appeared, and we must go. 

"The 13th of the 9th month, the 6th of the week. 

"This morning we were loth to part with our fires, 
but to stay here could not be done, so we went to 
our boats, wading in the water till it was ready to 
benumb us. But we put forward, and rowing about 
two leagues, came to an old house, where the Span 
iard told us we must leave the boats and travel by 
land. We had a boggy marsh to wade through for 
a mile, to get to the seashore, and had about five or 
six leagues along the bay or strand to the Spanish 
sentinel's house. The northwest wind was violent, 
and the cold such that the strongest of us thought 
we could not outlive that day. Having got through 
the boggy marsh and on the seashore, our people, 
black and white, made all speed, one not staying for 
another that could not travel so fast. None but I, 
my wife and child, Robert Barrow r , my kinsman, 
Benjamin Allen, and my negro London, whom I 
kept to help carry my child, keeping together. The 
rest of our company had left us, not expecting to see 
some of us again, especially Robert Barrow, my 
wife and chi'd. We traveled after as well as we 
could. Having gone about two miles the cold so 
seized on my kinsman, Benjamin Allen, that he 
began to be stiff in the limbs, and staggered and fell 
grievously, complaining that the cold would kill 
him. Our negro having our young child, I and my 
wife took our kinsman under each arm and helped 
him along; but at length his limbs were quite stiff, 
his speech almost gone, and he began to foam at the 
mouth. In this strait we knew not what to do; to 
stay with him, we must perish also ; and we were 
willing to strive as long as we could. We carried 
our kinsman and laid him under the bank, not being 
dead. I resolved to run after our people, some of 
them not being out of sight, which I did, and left 
my wife and child with the negro, to follow as fast 
as they could. I ran about two miles, making signs 
to them, thinking that if they should look back and 
see me running they would stop till I got up w r itb 
them. I was in hopes that if I could have accom 
plished this, my design to have got help to have car- 
ried my kinsman along, but they stopped not, and I 
ran until the wind pierced me, so that my limbs 
failed me and I fell; yet I strove, and getting up 
walked backward to meet my wife. As I was going 
I met w r ith the Spaniard coming out of the sand 
hills, and Joseph Kirle's negro Ben. I made my 
complaint to the Spaniard, but he. not being able 
to understand me well, went forward. I then ap- 
plied myself to the negro, making large promises if 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



37 



he would fetch ray kinsman. He offered to go back 
and use his endeavor, which he did. At length my 
wife and child came up with me. She was almost 
overcome with grief, expressing in what manner we 
were forced to part with our kinsman, and expecting 
that she and the child would go next. 

"Poor Eobert Barrow was a great way behind us. 
I feared we should never see him again. I used 
my endeavor to comfort and cheer my wife, entreat- 
ing her not to let grief overcome her. I had hopes 
that the Lord would help us in this strait, as he 
had done in many instances since we were in this 
land.. And, if it pleased God, we should lay down 
our lives in this wilderness, desired we might be- 
seech him to enable us to do it willingly. Thus 
striving in a deep exercise of body and mind we 
traveled on, admiring God's goodness in preserving 
us thus far through so many imminent dangers, in 
the sense of which, a secret hope would arise 
(though involved with human doubts and fears), 
that the Lord would yet preserve us. 

"I took my child from the negro and carried him. 
I had an Indian mat, with a split in it, through 
which I put my head, the mat hanging over my 
breast upon my waist. Under this I carried my 
child, which helped to break the wind off it, but the 
poor babe was black with cold, from head to foot, 
and its flesh as cold as stone, yet it was not froward. 
Its mother would take it, now and then, and give 
it the breast, but little could the child get at it. 
Besides, we dared not stop in the least, for, if we 
did, we should perceive our limbs to fail. 

"About 2 o'clock in the afternoon we came up 
with our negro woman Hagar, with her child at 
her back almost dead. And a little further on, we 
came up with our negro girl, Quenza, being dead, 
as we thought, for she was as stiff as a dead body 
could be, and her eyes were set. But at length, we 
perceived her to breathe, but she had no sense nor 
motion. We carried her from the water side under 
the bank. This increased my wife's sorrow, and 
she began to doubt she would be able to travel 
much farther, but I endeavored to encourage her, 
not to leave her, striving as long as I had any 
ability left. 

"All our people were out of sight, except four, 
and those, we had gained upon. I sent my negro to 
overtake them, and to desire them to slacken their 
pace till we got up with them, being in hopes that 
gaining their company would cheer up my wife, but 
they would not stop. The negro stopped for us. 
We had lost sight of Kobert Barrow by this time. 

"Soon after, we overtook John Smith, who was 
one of the four. He began to fail, and his com- 
panions left him, whereupon, he made grievous com- 
plaints, which I reproved him for, lest he should 
discourage my wife. 

"The sun was nigh setting, and we began to look 
out for the sentinel's post, and my negro several 
times got upon the highest sand hills to look ont, 
but we could not see any house nor the smoke of 
fire. This was terrible to us all, the day being so 
cold and the night much more so, and we being not 
able to travel without rest, beiug a starved people, 
both within our bodies and without; and, if we 
ceased from traveling, we should instantly be 
numbed and move no farther. 



"In the midst of these reasonings and doubtings 
we were got into I espied a man, as I thought, stand- 
ing on the bank, but at a great distance. I was 
afraid to speak lest it should prove otherwise, but he 
was soon seen by the whole company ; and at length 
we espied him walking towards the land. This con- 
firmed us, so we took to the hills again, to look out, 
but could not see the house from thence, but on the 
next hill we saw it. This was joy unto us, though 
we began to have a sense of our tiredness, for our 
resolution abated after we got sight of the house. 

"When we got to the house we found four senti- 
nels and the Spaniards, our guides, with the three 
of our men, viz., Joseph Buckley, Nathaniel Ran- 
dall and John Shears. The Spaniards bid us wel 
come, and made room for us to sit by the fire. The 
chiefest man of the sentinels took a kersey coat and 
gave it to my wife, to cover her, and gave each of 
us a piece of bread, made of Indian corn, which was 
pleasant to us. After it we had plenty of hot caf- 
feena drink. It was dark and we endeavored to 
prevail with the Spaniards to go back for Kobert 
Barrow and my kinsman, offering them consider- 
able, but they seemed not fully to understand me, 
yet I could make them sensible that my kinsman 
was almost dead, if not quite, and that the old man 
was in a bad condition. They made me understand 
that the weather was not fit to go out, but that they 
would watch and see if Robert would pass by. About 
an hour or two afterwards one of the Spaniards, be- 
ing walking out on the Bay, met with Robert, and 
brought him into the house. We rejoiced to see him, 
and inquired of our kinsman and negro Ben. He 
said our kinsman was striving to get up and could 
not. That he came to him and spake unto him; he 
could not answer, but only cried, and he could not 
help him. But that coming at some considerable 
distance he met negro Ben, who said he was going 
for Benjamin Allen, so he passed him. And some 
miles further on, he saw negro Jack, drawing him- 
self down from the bank, his lower parts being dead, 
and crying out for some fire, that he might save his 
life, but he did not see the negro girl. 

"We were under a great concern for our kinsman. 
The Spaniards we could not prevail upon to go and 
fetch him, or go and carry the wherewith to make a 
fire; which, had they done, and found them living, 
it might have preserved them. But we hoped negro 
Ben would bring our kinsman. 

"The Spaniards would have had most of us go to 
the next sentinel's house, which was a league farther, 
but we all begged hard for them to let us lie in their 
house, in any place, on the ground, for we were not 
able to travel farther. Besides the cold would kill 
us. for we were in such a trembling, shaking condi- 
tion, and so full of pain from head to foot, that it's 
not to be expressed. At length the Spaniards con- 
sented that Robert Barrow, I, my wife and child, 
and John Smith should lie in the house, but to Jo- 
seph Buckley, Nathaniel Randal, John Shears and 
my negro London they would not grant that favor. 
So, one of the Spaniards, taking a firebrand, bid 
those four go with him. He directed them to a small 
thicket of trees and shewed them where to gather 
wood and m^ke large fires and sleep there. These 
poor creatures lay out, and it proved a hard, frosty 
night. The Spaniards returned and said they were 



38 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



got into a wood and had fire enough. We were 
silent, but feared they would not live till morning. 

After they were gone, the Spaniards took a pint 
of Indian corn and parched it and gave part to us, 
and we accepted cheerfully. Also, they gave us 
some caffeena drink. We were in extraordinary pain, 
so that we could not rest, and our feet were ex- 
tremely bruised, the skin was off and the sand caked 
with the blood, so that we could hardly set our feet 
to the ground after we had been some time in the 
house. 

"The night was extremely cold; though we were 
in the house and by the fire, we could not be warm, 
for the one side did scorch whilst the other was 
ready to freeze, and thus we passed the night. 

"The 14th of the 9th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This morning we looked out and there was a 
very hard frost on the ground, for it was terrible to 
go out of doors. Our people returned from the wood 
but complained heavily of their hardship in the 
night. They had not been an hour in tbe house be- 
fore the Spaniards gave us all a charge to be gone 
to the next sentinel's house. Tbis was grievous 
news to us all, but more especially to my wife, who 
could not raise herself when down. But go we must, 
though we entreated hard for my wife and Robert 
Barrow we could not prevail that they might stay 
till we could get a canoe. As we were all going, one 
Spaniard made a sign for me and my wife to stay, 
which we did, and it was to have a handful of 
parched corn. As soon as Ave had received it they 
bid us be gone to the next sentinel's, where 
was victuals enough for us. The sun was a great 
height, but we could not feel any warmth it gave, 
the northwester beginning to blow as hard as it did 
the day before. And, having deep sand to travel 
through, which made our traveling this one league 
very hard, especially to my wife and Kobert. The 
Spaniards lent my wife a blanket, to be left at the 
next sentinel's house. 

"At length we came to an inlet of the sea ; on the 
other side was the lookout and sentinel's house. 
Here were all our people sitting, waiting to be car- 
ried over, and in a little time came one of the sen 
tinels with a canoe and carried us over. 

"This sentinel would not suffer us to come into his 
house, but caused us to kindle a fire on the lee of 
his house and there sit down. About half an hour 
after, he bid us be gone to the next sentinel's house, 
which was a league farther, giving a cup of caffeena 
and two quarts of Indian corn to us all, bidding us 
to go to our company at the next house and get our 
corn dressed there. 

"One of the Spaniards went with us to the next 
inlet, carrying a stick of fire to set fire to some trash 
to make a signal for them on the other side to fetch 
us over, the inlet being very wide. When the canoe 
came over for us, the guide took the blankets from 
my wife, but the negro who brought over the canoe 
lent my wife one of his coats, so we got over. But 
before we got to the house we had a shower of hail. 
At this house we Avere kindly received, having such 
a mess of victuals as we had not had in a long time 
before, which was very pleasant to our hunger- 
starved stomachs. 

"Our people went hence this morning for Augus- 
teen, having a guide with them; but John Hosl el- 



and Penelope were left here, not being able to travel. 
We remained here till the morroAV, but the night was 
so extremely cold that Ave could not rest. 

"The 15th of the 9th month, the first of the week. 

"This morning, the Spaniards bid us prepare to 
travel, for they were not able to maintain us. We 
understood that it was five or six miles to Augus- 
teen, and we could not travel so far, being all so 
lamed and stiff. We entreated them to let us go in 
a canoe, but they denied us. We entreated for the 
tAvo women and Robert Barrow. At length, we pre- 
vailed that they should go up in a canoe, for the 
canoe was to go, Avkether we went or no. 

"While this discourse was being had, there came 
in a couple of Spaniards, one being the sentinel that 
went with our people the day before, the other, a 
person the Governor had sent with a canoe and four 
Spaniards to fetch us. This was cheerful news, for 
had Ave traveled without a guide Ave should have 
perished. The man that came for us brought two 
blankets, one for my wife, the other for Penelope, 
and he desired us to be going. About a league dis- 
tant from the place he left the canoe, which we 
parted with unwillingly, for some of our people 
had they had a mile farther to have gone could not 
have gone it. The wind still continued from the 
northwest and blew very fiercely, and extremely 
cold it was, for we had such a continual shivering 
and pain in our bodies that we were in violent an- 
guish. 

"Our child was quiet, but so black with cold and 
shaking that it was wonderful that it lived. 

"We got to Augusteen about two hours before 
night. Being put on shore, we were directed to the 
Governor's house. Being got thither, we were had 
up a pair of stairs, at the head whereof stood the 
Governor, who ordered my wife to be conducted to 
his wife's apartment. 

"I and John Smith went into a room, where the 
Governor asked us a few questions, but seeing how 
extremely cold we were, he gave us a cup of Spanish 
wine and sent us into the kitchen to warm ourselves 
at the fire. 

"About half an hour afterwards, the Governor 
sent for John Smith and myself, and gave us a shirt 
and sliders, a hat and a pair of silk stockings, tell- 
ing us he had no Avoolen clothes, as yet, but would 
have some made. We put on the linen and made all 
haste into the kitchen to the fire. Robert Barrow 
was quartered at another house. 

"The persons came to the Governor's House and 
took such as they minded to quarter in their houses, 
so that Joseph Kirle, John Smith, I, my wife and 
child lodged at the Governor's house. 

"All our people that came up with Joseph Kirle 
came to see us. We perceived the people's great 
kindness ; for they were all well clothed from head 
to foot with the best the people had. 

"Joseph Kirle began to tell of his travels after 
he left us on the Bay, and how they all had con- 
cluded that they should never see my wife and child 
and Robert Barrow any more. If they had hard 
travel, so did my kinsman and me. Richard Lim- 
peny and those that went with him had a hard 
travel for 36 hours without ceasing; in which tra\'el, 
three of our negroes, that went with them were lot>t, 
viz: Jack, Caesar and Quenza, by sitting down to 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



39 



rest themselves; they were in a little time so 
numbed that they could not go on and there per- 
ished, so that we lost five in that day's travel and 
began to believe that negro Ben had perished also. 

"Joseph Kirle said, that he thought he should 
have lost some of our people in their trave! from 
the last sentinel's, hither; for they were much tired 
and the cold was violent, and the latter part of that 
day's journey they waded for many miles through 
much water and deep sand hills, and when they 
came in sight of Augusteen, they stayed for boats 
to fetch them, in which, some were numbed with 
cold. 

"Joseph Kirle applied to the Governor on our 
behalf to send us help, for he doubted whether we 
were all living. The Governor readily assented, 
and, forthwith, sent for a person fit for his pur- 
pose, charging him to get a 'pirogue' manned and 
go forward and fetch us, but the tide fell out, so 
that he could not go till midnight. The Governor 
was so concerned, that he would not go to bed till 
they were gone. When the tide served, he went 
to the waterside and saw the men put off, giving 
them strict charge. 

"Solomon Cresson began to tell of his travels from 
Jece, having, the greater part of the way, much rain. 
The Indians were very kind unto him until they 
came to the Indian town where the Dutchmen were 
killed, at which place, some of those Indians made 
the discovery that he was no Spaniard. They said 
nothing to him thereof, but were very indifferent to 
him, giving him no food and causing him to lie on 
the ground amongst vermin. 

"On the morrow he was to go with his former com- 
pany who were grown so extremely envious to him, 
that when they did but look upon him, they were 
ready to smite him, having continued on their jour- 
ney till about midday, passing an inlet, the weather 
being extremely bad, with wind, rain and much cold. 
They put on shore and got water soldiers and stayed 
for the Spaniard, when he went back to look for our 
people that were to follow us in a canoe. But the 
rage of these people was such that he expected to 
die. Being on shore, they readily kindled a fire, 
about which time he heard a noise of a boat and 
oars, and presently the Spanish 'pirogue' put on 
shore upon them. The Indians were extrordinarily 
surprised, and stood amazed, but Solomon was glad 
to see them, and they were glad to see him. The 
Spaniards took the old Caffekey's chest and what- 
ever he had from him, commanding himself and his 
followers to return to the Indian towns from whence 
they came. Staying all night, the next morning the 
Spaniards sent Solomon, under the conduct of two 
Indians belonging to the towns, who were com- 
manded by the Spaniards to carry Solomon unto the 
sentinel's house; but these two Indians carried him 
a little beyond the place where we put on shore to 
travel, and they seemed as though they had mischief 
in their hearts against him. He asked if they would 
go forward, but they looked untowardly upon him, 
and answered him not. But he went himself and 
was glad when he saw they did not follow him. 

"But we were desirous to know how the Spaniards 
had knowledge of us, which it seems was thus: 

"When we got to Jece, where Smith and his com- 
pany were, and we, going under the denomination of 



'Spaniards,' and the other English, the report of us 
ran from Indian town to Indian town to the north- 
ward unto the northernmost town, at which town 
were two or more Indians converted, that were of 
the Komish faith. These, or one of these, went to 
the next Spanish sentinel's and gave an account that 
he heard there were two vessels cast away to the 
southward of Jece, one being a Spaniard, the other 
an English vessel. The Spaniards having two ves- 
sels gone for the Havana to seek for supplies feared 
.it was those vessels. And the same day as this news 
came to the Governor of Augusteen came also news 
of one of their friars being murdered by some of the 
Cape Indians. After this manner we understood 
it, viz: 

"Three friars, being under a vow to go amongst 
the Indians of the Cape to convert them, went to a 
certain town to the northward off where we were 
cast away, but it lay within the sound. The Caffe- 
key of this town they gained on to embrace the Ro- 
man faith, but all his peonle were much incensed 
against the friars, and would, therefore, have their 
Caffekey renounce his faith and put the friars to 
death, but he would assent to neither, therefore they 
killed him and one friar, the other two escaping. 

"Thereupon was a 'pirogue' forthwith sent for us 
(of whatever nation we might be), also a party of 
Spaniards and Indians were sent against that town 
where the friar was killed. 

"We had a plentiful supper, and we fed like peo- 
ple that had been half starved, for we ate not know 
ing when we had enough, and found our palates so 
changed by eating berries that we could not relish 
the taste of salt any more than if there had been no 
saltness in it. We had lodging provided, but few 
beds. 

"The 16th of the 9th month ; the 2d of the week. 

"This morning we had ice half an inch thick, and 
it had been so for some mornings past, but as the 
sun riseth, it's gone. 

"The Governor came in this morning to our apart- 
ment, inquiring how we did. We, having had choc- 
olate for breakfast, he asked if we would have any- 
thing else that his house could afford, saying that if 
we would but ask, it should be brought us. but we 
modestly answered that it was sufficient, although 
our appetites were not to be satisfied. The Governor 
stated the poverty of the country unto us. 

"The place is a garrison, maintained one-half by 
the King of Spain, the other half by the Church of 
Rome. The male inhabitants are all soldiers, every- 
one receiving pay according to their post. A senti- 
nel's pay is 150 pieces of eight a year; and all their 
supply of bread, clothing and money comes from the 
Havana and Porto Vella ; and it is a going on of 
three years since they have had a vessel from any 
place whatsoever, which make their wants very great, 
all things being expended except ammunition and 
salt, of which they said they had enough. The Gov- 
ernor offered us the freedom of what his house af- 
forded; withal, gave us a charge to be careful in 
going abroad, especially of some persons that did 
not affect our nation. We promised to be ruled and 
submit to the Governor's pleasure for our liberty. 

"Our people came in and we told them about fht 
warning that had been given us, but they said they 
had been all over the town and in many houses 



40 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



where they were kindly received, and such as the 
people had, they would give them. The told us of 
some English that lived here, and they had been 
at their houses. The chiefest in esteem was one 
William Carr of the Isle of Ely, who, about thirty 
years ago, was in a vessel bound for South Carolina, 
but missing their port, many were drowned, but he 
and some others were brought hither by the Indians. 
Some of them got away in Spanish vessels, others 
died here. This man turned Roman Catholic and 
married a Spanish woman, of whom he had seven 
children, and is an officer of the garrison. He was 
chief interpreter. 

"This day came Joseph Kirle's' negro Ben. He 
gave us this account. That, after we had sent him 
back, he, having looked and not finding my kins- 
man, went to seek for a place to shelter himself 
from the cold, and some place he found to creep 
in, where he lay down and continued there all night, 
but by morning was so chilled with cold that he 
could not use his legs, but hauled himself towards 
the bay. The Spaniards, our guide from the first 
sentry house, the morning after we went thence, 
returned along the bay to see if any of our people 
were living, but he found all dead except negro Sen ; 
and he, getting a fire, negro Ben recovered and got 
the use of his limbs. 

"William Carr acquainted us with the fact that 
the Governor and two Royal officers would ex- 
amiine us concerning our being cast away, and 
what goods and moneys were lost in our vessel, and 
concerning our hardships amongst the Florida In- 
dians, etc., which was done, and every one did sign 
it. This, it took two or three days' time to com- 
plete. After this was done, the Governor told us 
that he expected Captain Sebastian Lopoz in a few 
days, and that, after his arrival, he would provide 
for our going to Carolina with canoes and men to 
guard us. 

"This week my wife was taken with a fever and 
ague, which held her three days and then left her. 
The Governor ordered his own doctor to administer 
such things as were helpful. The Governor's kind- 
ness to us all was extraordinary, for he would daily 
inquire of us if we wanted anything that he had, 
of which he gave us an account, and we ate no woi'se 
than he did daily. 

"This town Ave saw from one end to the other. Tt 
is about three-quarters of a mile in length, not 
regularly built, the houses not very thick; they hav- 
ing large orchards in which are plenty of oranges, 
lemons, pome citrons, limes, figs and peaches; the 
houses, most of them, old buildings, and not half 
of them inhabited. The number of men being about 
three hundred that belong to the Government, and 
many of them are kept as sentinels in their look- 
outs. At the north end of the town stands the 
large fortifications, being a quadrangle with bas- 
tions. Each bastion will contain thirteen guns, but 
there was not past two-thirds of fifty-two mounted. 
In the curtin they cannot mount any guns, being 
only for small arms. The wall of the fortification 
is about thirty feet high, built of sawed stone, such 
as they get out of the sand between the Sea and 
the sound. This stone is only sand and small shells 
connected together, being- not very hard till exposed 
to the sun. The fort is moated round about. 



"The 23d of the 9th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This day Joseph Kirle and I, considering that 
the latter end of this week was talked of for our 
setting forwards towards Carolina, which the Span- 
iards call St. Georges, we concluded to endeavor 
to provide ourselves, if we could, with clothing, 
considering that he should be exposed to all the 
weather that might happen and have no shelter but 
what we should carry with us. Therefore, we were 
inclined to sell, he and I, one or two of my negroe> 
to provide us clothing and provisions. We a4- 
dressed ourselves to the Governor, and withal of- 
fered him, if he pleased to accept, the choice of my 
negroes, but he denied our offer. We stated our 
matter to him and asked if we might dispose of our 
negroes. He said, no, Ave should not; neither could 
we sell them to any person but himself for ihe 
King's account without a special license; therefore, 
he Avould consult the two royal officers and give us 
his answer. 

"The 24th of the 9th month, the 3d of the week. 

"This day the Governor sent for us and told us 
that he Avould give us credit for AAdiat Ave and the 
rest of the company wanted. I told him that my 
Avife and child would want some Avarmer clothing; 
also, that myself and Joseph Kirle should Avant 
some, if to be had. He ordered us fo give in an 
account of what Ave should want, and if to be had, 
we should have it; and Joseph Kirle and I should 
give our obligation to pay the Governor of Caro- 
lina what the sum amounted unto, which Ave Avere 
willing to do. But we desired that our people 
should give us their obligation for what we Avere 
engaged for, on their account, which (he Governor 
thought reasonable. I gave in an account of par- 
ticulars for Joseph Kirle, Robei t Harrow, myself 
and family; also the quantity of fnduui corn, peas, 
stringed beef, salt and earthen pots for the whole 
company; but clothing was not to be had, except 
as much stuff as made a suit for my wife and child 
and a few skins Joseph Kirle and I got. I got, also, 
seven blankets, though the price Avas grear. These 
served Joseph Kirle, Robert BarroAV, myself and 
family. We had five roves of ammunition bread, 
so full of weevil that corn Avas far- better: twenty 
roves of strung beef, fifty roves of Indian corn, ten 
roves of pease, one rove of salt, jars for Avater and 
earthen pots to boil our victuals in. 

"The 25th of the 9th month, the 4th of the week. 

"The Governor sent for Joseph Kirle and me to 
certify that all that was to be got he had got for 
us. And he further signified unto us, that he did 
expect Sebastian Lopoz before this time, and he 
would not have us go till he came, for whatsoever 
he could get of our money and goods Ave should 
have it every doit, but Ave said, we desired not to 
be detained on that account, for Ave had given that 
already over for gone from among us. And, as it 
had pleased God to make them the instruments of 
our preservation, so we did freely give anything of 
that which was, or may be, deemed ours to Ihe 
Governor and those persons that were sent for us. 
The Governor said he would not have anything to 
do with it, for whatever he did was for charily 
sake. Then we desired the soldiers should have it, 
if any should be got, which we doubted. And here- 
upon, we considered that if those poor men should 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



41 



get nothing we ought to allow them something in 
general. Therefore Joseph Kirle and I offered the 
Governor that we should give Captain Lopoz and 
his men a hundred pieces of eight for bringing us 
up from among the Indians. The Governor was 
pleased with our offer and said they should have it. 

"About this time Bobert Barrow was taken with 
a grievous belly-ache, after which he fell into a vio- 
lent flux. Several of our people were also taken 
with the belly-ache, and a great scouring, all which 
was occasioned by our unreasonable eating, and not 
governing ourselves therein. Our chief diet was 
hominy, herbs and pumpkins, having not much 
meat, which mean diet was our preservation, for, 
had it been all flesh, we should have destroyed our 
selves. But we had the best the place afforded. 

"The 26th of the 9th 'month, the 5th of the week. 

"This day we signed our obligation for 400 pieces 
of eight, and we were to be gone the 28th or 29th 
instant, after which, our people signed their obliga- 
tion to us to pay their proportion of what was pro- 
vided for them in provisions, and their part of what 
should be paid for their passage from the Indians 
to Carolina, whereupon, we made the best provision 
we could. I had got some wine and brandy for my- 
self and family, and some small necessaries for our 
child, with a great resolution to go through. 

"The 29th of the 9th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This day, after we had dined, canoes being got 
ready, one Captain Francisco de Roma, with six 
soldiers, was to go our conduct, the Governor walked 
down to see us embark, and taking our farewell, he 
embraced some of us, wished us well, saying we 
should forget him when we got among our own 
nation, and also added that if ice forgot God would 
riot forget him. Thus, in a courteous manner, we 
parted, which was about 2 or 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon. Taking our departure from Augusteen, we 
had about two or three leagues to an Indian town 
called St. a Cruce, where, being landed, we were 
directed to the Indian warehouse. It is built round, 
having sixteen squares ; on each square is a cabin 
built and painted, which will hold two people, the 
house being about fifty feet in diameter. In the 
middle of the top is an opening about fifteen feet 
square. This house was very clean, and fires being 
made ready nigh our cabins. The Spanish captain 
made choice for himself and soldiers and appointed 
us our cabins. In this town they have a friar and 
a large house to worship in, with three bells, and 
the Indians go as constantly to their devotions at 
all times and seasons as any of the Spaniards. 
Night being come, and the time of their devotions 
over, the friar came in and many of the Indians, 
both men and women, having a dance, according to 
their 1 way and customs. We had plenty of caffeena 
drink, and such victuals as the Indians had pro- 
vided for us, some bringing corn boiled, another 
pease, some one thing, some another, of all of which 
we made a good supper and slept till morning. 

/The 30th of the 9th month, the 2d of the week. 
"."This morning- early we left this town, having 
about two leagues to go with the canoes, then we 
were to travel by . land. But a cart was provided to 
carry qur provisions and necessaries, in which cart 
those that could not travel by foot were carried. 
We had about five leagues to a sentinel's house, 

6— P. M. B. 



where we lay all night, and next morning traveled 
along the seashore about four leagues to an inlet. 
Here we waited for canoes to come for us to carry 
us about two miles to a town called St. Wans (The 
San Juan or St. Johns), an Indian town being on 
an island. We went through a kirt of woods into 
the Indian plantations for a mile. In the middle of 
the island is the town of St. Wans, a large town and 
many people. They have a friar and a worshipping- 
house. The people are very industrious, having 
plenty of hogs and fowls and large crops of corn, as 
we could tell by their corn houses. The Indians 
brought us victuals, as at the last town, and we 
lay in their warehouse, which was larger than that 
at the last town. 

"The 2d of the 10th month, the 4th of the week. 

"This morning the Indians brought us victuals for 
breakfast, and the friar gave my wife some loaves of 
bread made of Indian corn, which was somewhat ex- 
traordinary; also, a parcel of fowls. 

"About 10 o'clock in the forenoon we left St. 
Wans, walking about a mile to the sound, where 
Avere canoes and Indians ready to transport us to 
the next town. We did believe that we might come 
all the way along the sound, but the Spaniards were 
not willing to discover the place unto us. 
^ "An hour before sunset we got to the town called 
St. Mary's. This is a frontier and a garrison town. 
The inhabitants are Indians, with some Spanish 
soldiers. We were conducted to the warehouse, as 
the custom is. for every town hath a warehouse, or, 
as we understood, these houses were for their times 
of mirth and dancing, and to lodge and entertain 
strangers. This house is about 81 feet in diameter, 
built round, with 32 squares, in each square a cabin 
about 8-foot long, of a good height, being painted 
and well matted. The centre of this building is a 
quadrangle of 20 foot, being open at top of the house, 
against which the house is built; thus, in this quad- 
rangle is the place they dance, having a great fire in 
the middle. One of the squares of this building is 
the gateway or passage in. The women natives of 
these towns clothe themselves with the moss of trees, 
making gowns and petticoats thereof, which, in the 
distance, or at night, look very neat. In Indian boys 
we saw were kept in school in the church, the friar 
being their schoolmaster. This is the largest town 
of all. About a mile from this is another town, 
called St. Philip's. At this town of St. Marys were 
we to stay till the 5th or 6th instant : where also we 
were to receive our sixty roves of broad corn and 10 
roves of pease ; while we stayed we had one-half of 
our corn beaten into meal by the Indians, the other 
we kept whole, not knowing what weather Ave should 
have. For the friar of this town was some years 
past at Charleston, in South Carolina, and he had 
a month's passage in going, about this time of the. 
year. This news was very unpleasant ; to think of 
lyin out a month at this season, having been so 
weather-beaten before; but we endeavored to shun 
looking back, considering how great our preserva- 
tion had been hitherto. 

"While we stayed here we were willing to- make 
all the provision we could for' back and belly; We 
got of the Indians plenty of garlic and long pepper 
to season bur corn and peas, both of which were 
griping and windy ; and we made us wooden trays 



42 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



and spoons to eat with. "We got rushes and made 
a sort of plaited rope thereof; the use we chiefly 
intended it for was to be serviceable to help us in 
buildings huts, or tents with, at such times as we 
should meet with hard weather. The time drawing 
on that we were to leave this town, we had seven 
large canoes provided to carry us, being in all about 
sixty persons, eighteen of us, six of Smith's' com- 
pany, seven Spaniards and thirty-odd Indians, who 
were to row the canoes and be our pilots. We had 
some Indians from all the towns, and two Caffekeys. 

"We understood that the Carolina Indians, called 
the Yemassee, which are related to these Indians, 
were here about a month since, trading for deer 
skins. 

"I have omitted a considerable passage that hap- 
pened at Augusteen. The woman, Penelope, being 
with child, by the Spaniards persuasion, stayed with 
them ; also Joseph Kirle's boy, named John Hilliard, 
was detained by the Spaniards. Joseph Kirle strove 
hard with the Governor that he should have his boy, 
but the lad was conveyed out of town and could not 
be found. The Governor promised that he would 
send him after us if possible, but the boy came not 
to us. and we were to depart hence on the morrow. 

"The 6th of the 10th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This morning we embarked and departed this 
place, and put into the town of St. Philips, where 
the Spanish captain invited us on shore to drink 
caffeena, which we did, the Spaniards having left 
something behind. We stayed here about an hour 
and then set forward. 

"About two or three leagues hence, we came in 
sight of an Indian town called 'Sappataw'; but we 
went about a league to the northward of it, to a 
sentinel's house, where we put our boats on shore 
and had caffeena brought us ; making no stay, we 
went hence, rowing till next morning. In the poor 
light we had lost our way, but got to rights in a 
little time. 

"The 7th of the 10th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This morning we put on shore, having passed an 
inlet of the sea, and here we dressed some victuals 
and got a little sleep until the tide favored. Some 
of our Indians went out to hunt for deer and hogs, 
of both of which the Spaniards said there was a 
plenty; and, when the tide served, we were to go to 
the northernmost end of the island and stay and 
await the return of the hunters. One of the Indians 
brought a deer, which he threw down amongst the 
other Indians, and he went out again, to hunt to the 
north end of the island, where we were to rendezvous 
for the night. We set forward about 10 o'clock and 
got to the place appointed an hour or two before 
sunset. It being a fine, lofty wood we employed 
ourselves in getting firewood for the night and moss 
to lie down on, of which we got a plenty, having a 
large oak to lie under. 

"The Indians brought in several hogs and deer, ot 
which we had part, so that we fared richly; having 
a pleasant night's repose we got up about an hour 
before day to depart. 

"The 8th of the 10th month, the 3d of the week.. 

"This day, having rowed from the last place until 
two hours before sunset, we got on shore at a place 
where there had been an Indian settlement, it being 
on a high bank, from whence we had a prospect of 



the sound. Here we employed ourselves to go and 
get bushes to make shelter against the wind and 
dews of the night, and in cutting of dry grass to 
lie on and getting of wood, which was a considerable 
distance from us, but Ave resolved to have it if labor 
would purchase it. Those that were not employed 
in these services were provided of water and 
victuals, for we always had enough to do. We had 
a pleasant night and rested well. 

'The 9th of the 10th month, the 4th of the week. 

"This morning about sunrise we saw a canoe full 
of Carolina Indians going to the southward, a hunt- 
ing. They kept the westward side of the sound, be- 
ing fearful of us. We had a canoe manned with In- 
dians and Spaniards to go after them to speak to 
them, leing desirous to get them to carry 1 otters to 
inform of our coming, not knowing but that we 
might alarm the out-settlements of Carolina. 

"This canoe of ours pursued the other, but the 
Carolina Indians put on shore, ran into a marsh and 
fired at our people. The Spanish Indians who could 
speak the Yammaw's language, called unto them 
and told them their business, but they answered that 
they were going a hunting for the season, therefore 
desired them to be gone, for they would not come 
near them. Therefore, our people returned unto us. 
The Carolina Indians went their way and we pre- 
pared to go forward. We having the Caffekey of St. 
Wans with us, sent him away last night to see if he 
could meet any of the Yemassee Indians of the 
Carolina (he being acquainted with and related to 
them), but the canoe passed him. We went for- 
ward and rowed all the day till about an hour before 
sunset, and then we put on shore at an Indian field, 
which was overgrown with sedge, it being low, wet 
land. Here we made our accustomed provision for 
lodging, lying this night in a wood, having dressed 
victuals for the time and tomorrow, and having 
rested well this night, about daybreak or sooner we 
left this place. 

'"The 10th of the 10th month, the 5th of the week. 

"This day, about 10 o'clock, we crossed an inlet, 
but the tide being against us we put on shore to an 
old Indian field. Under the shelter of some trees at 
this place was the Caffekey of St. Wans. Here we 
stayed and drank some caffeena. There was an 
abundance of rabbits, but we made no stay. Not 
staying, two 'hours the Caffekey was sent before to 
make discovery, and we followed, rowing until an 
hour before sunset, by which time we got to the 
place called ' St. Catalena, ' where hath been a great 
settlement of Indians, for the land hath been cleared 
for planting for some miles distant. Here we met 
the Caffekey, also a canoe of Carolina Indians, be- 
ing a man, wife and children, having his dogs and 
other hunting implements for to lie out this winter 
season. The Spanish captain, by his interpreter, 
discoursed him about carrying his letters, which he 
readily assented unto, whereupon the Spanish cap- 
tain set himself to writing unto the Spanish gover- 
nor of Carolina. 

' ' We had a large field to lie in, and no manner of 
shelter but what was distant more than a mile or so, 
but we spared not pains, but some fell to, cutting of 
boughs and brush at no great distance, some to 
carrying it to the place some to get firewood, so 
that, by night, we had a brave shelter. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



43 



"The Spanish captain sent me to write to the Gov- 
ernor of Carolina, which I did. I writ also to a per- 
son of my acquaintance there. The letters being 
finished, the night coming on, I delivered my letters 
to the captain and returned to my company. By 
this time they had completed our booth, which we 
thought was sufficient if no rain fell. We provided 
our victuals for our supper and for our next day's 
travel, as also some dry grass to lie on, in hopes of 
retiring well this night. About 10 at night the 
Carolina Indians went with our letters for Caro- 
lina. 

"The 11th of the 10th month, the 6th of the week. 

"This morning about two hours before the day we 
had a gust of wind from the northwest and the sky 
was overcast and looked as though we should have 
abundance of rain. In a little time the rain fell, 
against which we had no shelter but our blankets. 
The rain held until daybreak, at which time began 
the northwest wind to blow violently hard and cold. 
Our shelter was fronting the northwest, and we fell 
to work to shift our booth and to getting more 
boughs, brush and grass. The grass was to fill and 
keep up a bank of earth which we raised about three 
or four feet high, to break the wind from us. All 
this day we were employed in enlarging our booth 
and getting wood for firing. The northwest wind 
blew extremely hard, and this night was hard, we 
getting but little rest, the cold pinching us. 

"The 12th of the 10th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This day the wind continued without ceasing. 
We began to mend what the fire had put out of 
order by night, and heaved up more earth on our 
booth and made some enlargements, for we were not 
negligent by day to provide for the night, which 
pinched us with cold, especially, aged Robert Bar- 
row, who had a violent flux that had held him from 
Augusteen hither, and, by the violent cold growing 
on him, so that he could not govern his weakness 
nor get natural rest. He was so extremely racked 
with cold that in this juncture of hardship we could 
get no warmth in him; but he was contented with 
our mean help, although he received little benefit by 
it. This day, at times, we went to get wood, having 
a long way to go in an open field; and the cold al- 
most numbing us by the time we could get to the 
booth. This evening the wind was somewhat abated, 
and we were in great hopes it was over, but it blew 
fiercely the latter part of the night. 

"The 13th of the 10th month, the 1st of the week. 

"This morning the wind was something abated 
and the sun gave forth a little warmth. Joseph 
Kirle borrowed a gun, powder and shot of the Span- 
iards and went to kill some wild geese or what other 
game he might come up with, but he had no success, 
coming home without any game and we were well 
content with a dinner of Indian corn and strung 
beef. The Spanish Indians hunted all these three 
days and killed several deer, but they ate them as 
fast as they'd kill them, having little or no other 
provision, their corn being spent. 

"The latter part of this day the wind was very 
moderate and we hoped to be going the next morn- 
ing, whereupon we provided for the next day's 
travel. 

"The 14th of the 10th month, the 2d of the week. 
"This morning we embarked and set forward, 



having fair weather, the wind down. We rowed all 
day until 3 o'clock, being come to a great inlet of 
the sea, but the weather looked as though we should 
have wind and rain, and to cross the inlet would be 
dangerous, it being about two leagues over and little 
wind, making a rough sea, so we put on shore, it 
being high land, and lofty woods, mostly pine and 
live oak. Here we made all the expedition we could 
to get shelter against the weather. The Indians set 
to work to build themselves little huts or 'wigwams/ 
which they had not done till now. They got small 
palmetto leaves and covered their buildings, but 
ours were mostly covered with boughs which would 
not keep out much rain. By night we had a great 
deal of wind and rain, and, it being the evening of 
the Spaniard's Christmas, they used some of thek" 
ceremonies, with tinkling on a piece of iron and 
singing, begging for something for the day follow- 
ing; they beged of the Indians, and the Indians, in 
like manner, beged of the Spaniards; and what the 
Indians gave the Spaniards, that was returned to 
the Indians. 

"The 16th of the 10th mouth, the 4th of the week. 

"This morning was very foggy and proved a rainy 
day; but we kept rowing till 2 in the afternoon. 
The rain being hard and the wind increased at N. E., 
we put on shore, but the captain told us we should 
not stay here long, and if the weather permitted 
should go all night, but the weather was likelier to 
be toorse than better, and we sat in the rain until 
night was come, then we entreated the captain that 
we might stay all night and that we might provide 
against the weather, but he pretended the weather 
would break up and we would be gone, but there 
was no likelihood of it. The wind was increased and 
we were all wet and starved with the cold. At length 
he assented for us to stay. Then we were hard put 
to it, it being night, to provide shelter, but in the 
dark did we work until we had made us a shelter 
that would keep the rain from us. Having fires, 
we put off our wet clothes and dried them as w? 
could. Towards morning, the rain broke up. 

"The 17th of the 10th month, the 5th of the week. 

'"This morning at sunrise we set forward and 
rowed till noon, at which time we came to an inlet 
and put on shore where we stayed all this after- 
noon and dried our blankets and what else was not 
dried last night. We also dressed victuals, and as 
soon as it was dark went hence, designing to row all 
night, but having an intricate passage among 
marshes where were divers creeks and ways, so that 
we rowed sometimes in a wrong one then back again 
and rowed in another. About midnight our pilots 
were at a loss, not knowing which way to go nor 
where to find any dry land, that we might go on 
shore, but three of our boats rowed until we found 
a dry knap to get on shore, where we lay until day, 
having good fires. As soon as it was light we got 
our boats and went to look for the rest of the com- 
pany, whom we found, having- made their canoes 
fast to the sedge, and sitting therein until we came 
to them. 

"The 18th of the 10th month, the 6th of the week. 

"The night was extremely foggy, and so was this 
morning, but we searched about and found our pas- 
sage, it being a little channel, just broad enough 
for our boats to pass, and a mile in length. After 
we passed this, we came into a great sound which 



44 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



went down into a large inlet so that the land could 
not be seen from one side to the other. Into the 
sound comes down a great river called the 'Sabina 
River' ; which, when we got into the course of it 
the water was fresh, even in this great sound. The 
Spaniards called it the Cross Bar, or, St. a Cruce. 
About noon, we got over this sound, and here we 
rowed out to sea for two leagues to get into another 
sound. And at about 3 o'clock the wind began to 
blow at NE, and it looked very black, so we feared 
a storm. We desired to get on shore to provide 
against it, but the captain said that about a few 
leagues further we should get into Port Royal, but, 
in the interim, we saw a canoe on the shore. We 
made to her, and there, we found some Indian wig- 
wams. Here we went on shore. This was a canoe 
laden with skins that belonged to merchants at 
Carolina, having four Indians belonging to her, but 
three of them ran away, fearing the Spaniards, 
though one stayed. 

"The Indian wigwams were in bad condition, not 
fit to keep out the weather, so we set to work to 
mend them. Here were plenty of palmetto leaves, 
with which we coveerd them and made addition to 
them, but the storm of wind and rain came violently 
before we could complete the work and held all 
night, yet we lay indifferently dry though the storm 
was very great. 

"The 19th of the 10th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This morning the storm of wind continued at 
northeast, with rain. We, being likely to stay some 
time here, enlarged our wigwam, fearing a north- 
wester, which, about 10 o'clock this day began to 
blow fiercely, with snow, for some hours. The wind 
was so violent that we feared lest the tall pines 
should be blown on us. We sent the Carolina In- 
dian out to bring his three mates in, but they would 
not. The Spanish Indians made great complaint 
for food. We gave amongst them four roves of 
corn, being unwilling to spare any more, not know- 
ing how long we should be detained by the weather. 
Some of our people had almost eaten up their shares, 
and we expected, should we be detained long, we 
must supply them with what we had to spare. 

"The 2flth of the 10th month, the first of the week. 

"This day, the wind continued at northeast, and 
extremely cold it was, but we, in our wigwams, 
were well enough bared from the cold. About noon 
our mariner's wigwam got fire and was burnt. Theirs 
was the leeward most of all, for we had eight wig- 
wams, otherwise the whole had been in danger. We 
understood that we were not passing two or three 
days' journey from the English settlements, but the 
Spanish Indians told us it was more, (till we were 
better informed by this Indian, who belonged to 
the place). 

"The 21st of the 10th month, the 2d of the week. 

"This day early we set forward and passed Port 
Royal Sound, being some leagues over, and about 
two o'clock in the afternoon we put on shore, the 
tide being against us. Here was a close wood where 
we lay indifferent well all night. 

"The 22d of the 10th month, the 3d of the week. 

"This morning early, we set forward and rowed 
all day until one o'clock in the afternoon, at which 
time we got to the first settlement in Carolina, be- 
longing to one Richard Bennet, who received us 



kindly and provided plentifully for us of good food 
and good drink, showing the Spaniards all kindness 
possible, for our sakes, which the Spaniards did 
acknowledge. We stayed here all night. 

"The 23d of the 10th month, the 4th of the week. 

"This morning, having eaten plentifully and drank 
also, we went hence, in company with some of the 
inhabitants, about 10 o'clock, and rowed until two 
hours before night. Having passed by several plan- 
tations, we put on shore on a point of land to wait 
the tide, having a wood to shelter in, and, making 
good fires, we stayed until midnight, at which time, 
we went thence, and rowed until an hour or two be- 
fore day, at which time, we got to Governor Blake's 
house. 

"The 24th of the 10th month, the 5 th of the Week. 

"This morning when the Governor arose he sent 
for Joseph Kirle, John Smith, Andrew Murray and 
myself, making inquiry of us concerning our pas- 
sage and on what account the Spaniards came with 
us. We rendered, him an account of the Governor 
of Augusteen's generosity towards us, and told Gov- 
ernor Blake that he sent us freely without any de- 
mands except what we had freely contracted. The 
Governor sent for the Spanish captain to come in, 
and received the letters that were sent from the 
Governor of Augusteen; also, our obligation, which 
the Governor accepted. The Governor showed a 
great deal of kindness to us, and made inquiry into 
all our conditions. Robert Barrow, he sent to his 
neighbor, Margaret Bamniers, who, he said, would 
be careful and nurse him. She was an Ancient 
Friend, about two miles distant, so he went on 
horseback. The Governor clothed Joseph Kirle, 
John Smith, Andrew Murray and me, my wife and 
child; to the rest of our people he gave each a duf- 
fel blanket, which would keep them warm, and 
plenty of victuals and drink were provided. We ob- 
tained leave of the Governor to permit the Span- 
iards to go to Charlestown with us, being willing 
to gratify them according to our abilities. 

"The 25th of the 10th month, the 6th of the week. 

"This day in the afternoon Joseph Kirle, John 
Smith, I, my wife and child, went to Margaret Bam- 
mers, where Robert Barrow was staying all night 
till next morning, when the Spaniards called for us, 
they coming by water. 

"The 26th of the 10th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This morning, Ave went hence with the Spaniards 
for Charlestown, where we arrived about an hour 
within night. The gentlemen of this town appointed 
a public house of good credit to entertain the Span- 
iards with meat and drink and lodging, which was 
done, to the Spaniards' admiration. They stayed 
here eight days. We got our people together and 
agreed, jointly, to give the Spaniards an hundred 
pieces of eight, which Joseph Kirle and I divided 
amongst them according to their degrees, we two 
adding to the sum. 

"The 4th of the 11th month, the 2d of the week. 

"Joseph Kirle and I provided a small present 
to send to the Governor of Augusteen, and this day 
we went with the Spaniards to Governor Blake's, 
to stay there one day. The Governor treated the 
Spaniards, and having completed his letters, gave 
the Spanish captain a considerable present and sent 
his homewards, ordering them to call on the Yemas- 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



3145 



see Indians, where they might have as much Indian 
corn as they pleased to carry home with them. The 
towns of these Indians were about two or three 
days' rowing from Charlstown. 

"The 9th of the 11th month, the 7th of the week. 

"This day, I returned with my wife and child to 
Charlestown, leaving Eobert Barrow, (in a weak 
and low condition), with Margaret Bammer. I, my 
wife and family, with Joseph Kirle, were enter- 
tained by Captain James Bibee, the time of our stay 
in Carolina. Our seamen were mostly employed, 
some in one vessel and some in another that be- 
longed to the port. 

"The 6th of the 12 month, the 2d of the week. 

"Joseph Kirle went hence to the Island of Prov- 
idence in hopes of gaining speedy passage for Penn- 
sylvania, the place of his abode. 

"Towards the beginning of this month, Bobert 
Barrow was brought to Charlestown, being ex- 
tremely weak, and was lodged in the house of Mary 
Cross, who nursed him. 

"The 18th of the first month (March), the 5th of 
the week. 

"This day, I, with my family, and Bobert Barrow 
embarked and set sail from this place for Pennsyl- 



vania ,and had fourteen days' passage to Philadel- 
phia. 

"The 4th of the 2nd month, the 1st of the week. 

"This day, in the evening, Bobert Barrow de- 
parted this life and was buried on the 6th instant, 
having passed through great extremities in much 
patience; and he in all times of -our greatest trou- 
bles, was ready to counsel to patience and to wait 
what the Lord, our God, would bring to pass. And 
he would often express, that it was his belief that our 
lives should be spared and not be lost in that wil- 
derness and amongst those people who would have 
made prey of us. And so, this good man, having fin- 
ished his course with joy, laid down his body, and 
is with Him who rewards the just. 

"Thus, having completed our hard passage hither, 
wherein God's great mercy and wonedrful, loving 
kindness hath been largely extended unto us, in de- 
livering and preserving us to this day and time," I 
hope that I, with all those of us, that have been 
spared hitherto, shall never be forgetful nor un- 
mindful of the low estate we were brought unto 
that we may double our diligence in serving the 
Lord God, is the breathing and earnest desire of iiiy 
soul. Amen." Jonathan Dickenson.- 




No history of Florida would be complete without 
some reference to the Seminole Indians — one of the 
most interesting and primitive people to be found in 
the United States. Remnant of the descendants 
of Osceola, some 600 of them, approximately three- 
fourths of whom are males, are still living in the 
Everglades and Big Cypress country. 

Since the "Peace Pact" was signed in 1842, the 
Seminole has ceased to be a trouble-maker, and has 
even refused to contest the progress of the white 
man who drives him from the land he has cleared 
and cultivated. They live in 32 small villages or 
camps, scattered over an area of 9,000 square miles, 
in the southern part of Florida. Their houses are 
constructed with the materials that nature pro- 
vided — pine posts for the frame and a thatched, 
peaked roof of palmetto leaves. These houses are 
not enclosed, and it is probably owing to the open 
air life which they lead that the Seminoles are 
free from the twin plagues — tuberculosis and tra- 
choma. 

These Indians are magnificent specimens of hu- 
manity; usually tall, lithe and well developed. For 
years they have had all the virtues of the white man 
and few of his vices; their code being not to lie, 
steal or cheat. Their home life is beautiful ; each 
member of the tribe even to the young child, hav- 
ing clearly defined duties, which tbey never shirk. 

The Seminoles are an intensely religious people. 
While they are classed as pagans, their religion 
contains a belief in God the Father and in His Son, 




with traditions of the creation, the feeding: -,of 
manna and the crucifixion. 

Their names are derived from the first thing that 
impresses the mother at the time of the child's birth. 
Thus we have Osceola, the Bising Sun; Efaule 
Harjo, the little crazy owl; Hotulchalsee, May 
wind. 

Owing to the scarcity of game, the closing "of 
the market for alligator skins, and the protection of 
plume birds, from which they formerly derived a 
comfortable income, these Indians are now in a des- 
titute condition. 

The Federal government, from time to time, has 
acquired about 25,000 acres, in small tracts, in Lee, 
Broward and Palm Beach counties, for the benefit 
of these Indians. Owing to the fact that these lands 
consist of small tracts, widely scattered, and of 
poor quality, it is impossible to do any effective 
work in improving the condition of the Seminoles. 
Therefore, a bill is before the present Legislature 
calling for approximately one hundred thousand 
acres of land in a solid tract, where schools and-in- 
dustries may be established by the Federal govern- 
ment, in order that these Indians may be given 
opportunity and encouragement to break down the 
traditions of the past three hundred years, and ul- 
timately develop into a citizenry which will be a 
credit to the State. Lucien A. Spencer, 

U. S. Special Commissioner to Indians. 
M. K. Sniffen, 
Secretary Indian Rights Association. 



46 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



The Prince aod Prieces 
AcMlle Minrat in Florida 



Catherine D. Murat was born at Willis Hall, near 
Fredericksburg, Virginia, August 17th, 1803, and 
was the daughter of Colonel Bird Willis and of 
Mary Lewis, who was a niece of General Washing- 
ton. Catherine was not only a child of engaging 
manners, but she possessed a beauty which increased 
as she advanced in age. At the age of fifteen she 
was married to Mr. Gray, a Scotch gentleman, and 
a neighbor of her father. In a little over a year 
Mr. Gray died, leaving his young wife a widow and 
a mother at the age of sixteen. The child sur- 
vived its father but a short time. These were the 
first trials that her childlike nature was called 
upon to bear, and it was some time before she re- 
covered from the shock. She then returned to her 
father's house and made it her home. About the 
year 1826 Mr. Willis, having met with a reverse of 
fortune, decided to remove to Florida. His family, 
consisting of his wife, three sons and four daugh- 
ters, accompanied him, leaving one married 
daughter in Virginia. He rented a house in Tal- 
lahassee, the capital of Florida, on Monroe Street, 
southeast of the State House ; and here it was that 
the young and beautiful widow, Catherine Gray, 
first saw Prince Achille Murat (the eldest son of 
the King of Naples, and Carolina, sister of Napol- 
eon Monaparte), who, being exiled from France 
and Italy, had, a short time previous, selected 
Florida as his home. In Tallahassee she was sur- 
rounded by persons of intellect and refinement to 
an extent not often found in a frontier country, as 
Florida then was. Among the gentlemen were 
Governor W. P. Duval, Judge Thomas Randall, 
General R. K. Call, Colonel Gadsden, and others ; 
and among the ladies were Mrs. Nutall, as well as 
the family of William Wirt. 

Mrs. Gray soon became foremost in this circle, 
and attracted the favor of Prince Achille. She 
was not pleased with him at first, for though he 
was a man of education, and could entertain a com- 
pany by the hour with his remarkable memory and 
genius, still he had allowed himself to fall into 
such careless habits that he did not at all approach 
the beau ideal of the delicately nurtured and fastidi- 
ous lady. It was only after listening to the persuasion 
of her parents, and. seeing the constant devotion of 
Achille, that she could look with a favorable eye 
upon his suit. However, on the 30th of July, 1826, 
the two — the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte and 
the grandniece of George Washington — were mar- 
ried. The couple soon moved to Lipona, Prince 
Murat's plantation in Jefferson County. Around 



them, within an area of a few miles, lived many of 
those whose names have already been mentioned; 
and a constant round of gaiety was kept up, all un- 
necessary etiquette being laid aside. 

Thus were passed many happy years, Mme. Murat 
still enlivening all with her attractive society, and 
the Prince passing his time in the acquisition of 
learning. The range of his experiments may be in- 
ferred from the Prince's declaration that "alligator- 




tail soup will do, but the turkey-buzzard is not 
good." 

After a lingering illness, Prince Murat died April 
15th, 1847. His remains were deposited in the 
Episcopal cemetery at Tallahassee. 

On the 6th of August, 1867, in the firm hope of 
entering into a happier life, after an illness of five 
months, the spirit of the Princess Murat took its 
flight. Her remains were taken to Tallahassee and 
buried bv the side of her husband. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



47 



FfoirMa'g PiMfe hmi 



By W. S. Jennings 



The treatment of a subject of so much interest 
and importance to the people of Florida as that of 
her public lands would require more time and de- 
liberate research than a busy man can assume to 
give, and more space than an article such as is here 
contemplated should occupy. Therefore, the reader 
should bear in mind that only salient points can be 
touched in this article, without pretense of com- 
pleteness, but with the hope of outlining incidents 
concerning public lands that will enable the student 
and interested people to understand the intricate 
and complex matters surrounding and incident to 
the history and events concerning Florida's public 
lands. 

TREATY WITH SPAIN. 1 

By the second article of the treaty of amity, 
settlement and limits, made and concluded on the 
22nd day of February, 1819, between the United 
States and His Catholic Majesty, His Catholic 
Majesty cedes to the United States 
in full property and sovereignty 
all the territories which belong to 
him situated to the eastward of 
the Mississippi, known by the 
names of East and "West Florida ; 
the adjacent islands dependent on 
said provinces, all public lots and 
squares, vacant lands, public edi- 
fices, fortifications, barracks and 
other buildings which are not pri- 
vate property, archives and docu- 
ments which relate directly to the 
property and sovereignty of said 
province. 

It is sometimes stated that the 
Floridas were purchased for five 
million dollars. In the eleventh 
paragraph of the Treaty, provis- 
ion is made for the adjustment 
and settlement of claims for in- 
jury suffered by the Spanish of- 
ficers and individual Spanish 
inhabitants, by the late operations of the American 
Army in Florida, and the commissioners appointed 
were authorized to make payment of claims as may 
be admitted and adjusted by the commissioners to 
an amount "not exceeding five million dollars." 

The Floridas remained under territorial form of 
government, the title to the public lands therein 
being vested in the United States Government, until 
the A,ct of Congress approved March 3, 1845, 1 
admitting the territory of Florida into the Union 
as a State on equal footing with the original States, 
in which it is provided that, "The State shaM never 
interfere with the primary disposal of the public 
lands lying within said State, nor levy any tax on 
the same whilst remaining the propertv of the 
United States." 

(1) Fuller's Purchase of Florida, p. 373-374. Senate Docu- 
ment 357. 61st Congress, p. 1651. 




This was followed by a supplemental act, 2 both 
acts being applicable to Iowa as well as Florida, 
providing that in the State of Florida, in respect 
to public lands, there be granted to the State — 

(1) Eight (8) entire sections of land for the 
purpose of fixing the seat of government. 

(2) Also section numbered sixteen in each town- 
ship, or other lands equivalent thereto, for the use 
of the inhabitants of such township for the support 
of public schools. 

(3) Also two entire townships of land in addi- 
tion to the two townships already reserved for the 
use of two seminaries of learning, one to be located 
East and the other West of the Suwannee River, and 

(4) Also five per centum of the net proceeds of 
the sale of lands within said State which shall be 
hereafter sold by Congress, after deducting all ex- 
penses incident to the same, and which said net 
proceeds shall be applied by said State for the pur- 
poses of education. 

Congress by Act approved Sep- 
tember 4, 1841 3 , granted to the 
State of Florida 500,000 acres of 
land for internal improvement. 

SWAMP LANDS. 

On September 28, 1850, the 
President of the United States ap- 
proved an act of Congress grant- 
ing to Florida, and other States, 
the swamp and overflowed lands 
to the States, subject to the dis- 
posal of the Legislatures thereof, 
the proceeds of said lands, wheth- 
er from sale or by direct appro- 
priations in kind, to be applied ex- 
clusively, as far as necessary, to 
the purpose of reclaiming said 
lands. 

By act of the Legislature of 
Florida of 1851 the act of Con- 
gress granting the swamp and 
overflowed lands to Florida, ap- 
proved September 28, 1850, was accepted and 
approved. 

In 1856 Congress passed an act granting public 
lands in alternate section to the States of Florida 
and Alabama to aid in the construction of certain 
railroads in said States, being the "odd-numbered 
sections for six sections in width on each side of 
each of said roads and bridges," with the right to 
make up deficiencies under certain conditions within 
fifteen miles of said roads and bridges. 

As early as March 3, 1823, Congress passed an 
act reserving from sale an entire township in each 
of the districts of East and West Florida for use of 
a seminary of learning, to be located by the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury, and . on July 1, 1836, an act 

(1) Chap. 48. pp. 742-743. March 8, 1845 — Taking Florida 
and Iowa into the Union. Vol. 5. Stats, at Large. 

(2) Chap. 65, p. 787. Vol. 5. 

(3) Vol. 5. U, S, Stats, at Largo, p. 451. 



4$' LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



was approved by the President of the United States 
authorizing the Governor and Legistalvie Council of 
the Territory of Florida to sell the lands previously 
reserved for the benefit of the University of Florida 
(of which Joseph M. White. E. K. Call, Thomas Ran- 
dall, John G. Gamble, Thomas Eston Randolph, 
Leon M. Goldsborough, Ben Chaires, Turbutt B. Bet- 
ton, F, Eppes, E. Loockermann, Fitch W. Taylor, J. 
Loring Woart, Ashbeel Steel and J. Edwin Steward 
are trustees), and not exceeding one-half part there- 
of and appropriate the money arising from the sale 
for the erection of commodious and durable build- 
ings for said university (the East Florida Univer- 
sity, originally to be located at Ocala, later at 
Gainesville, and the West Florida University at 
Tallahassee), the purchase of apparatus, and what- 
ever else may be suitable for such university. 

An Act locating the two townships was approved 
January 29, 1827. 1 

BOARD OP INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT. 

An act of the Legislature, January 24. 1851, 2 cre- 
ating a Board of Internal Improvement to consist of 
the Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer, Comp- 
troller and State Registrar of Public Lands, and one 
member from each of the Judicial Districts of the 
State were elected by the General Assembly, said 
board to hold an annual meeting on the first Mon- 
day in December of each year. 

Chapter 332, Acts of 1853, was amended by strik- 
ing out the section providing for the Board and ere 
ating a second Board of Internal Improvement, to 
consist of the State Engineer as president, and eight 
commissioners, to be selected by the General Assem- 
bly, two of said commissioners to be appointed from 
each voting district, to hold their offices for four 
years. , 

This management continued until 1855, when the 
Governor approved the Act of the Legislature to 
provide for and encourage a liberal system of inter- 
nal improvement in this State, by the provision of 
which Act so much of the 500,000 acres of land 
granted to the State for internal improvement pur- 
poses by Act of Congress passed the 3rd of March, 
1845, as remained unsold, and the proceeds of the 
sales of such said lands heretofore sold as now re- 
main on hand and unappropriated, and all proceeds 
that may hereafter accrue from the sales of said 
lands ; also all the swamp lands or lands subject to 
overflow granted this State by Act of Congress ol 
September 28, 1950, or that may hereafter accrue, 
and the proceeds arising from the sale thereof, is set 
apart and declared a distinct and separate fund to 
be called the Internal Improvement Fund of the 
State of Florida, and for the purpose of assuring 
the proper application of said fund for the purposes 
declared, after paying the necessary expenses, said 
lands and all the funds arising from the sale thereof 
are irrevocably vested in- five -trustees, namely, the 
Governor, the Comptroller, the State Treasurer, the 
Attorney- General and the Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture, and their successors in office, with the power 

'• •"(!)■ Chap/ 84. pp. 519-520. Vol. 9. U. S. Stat, at Large. 

•;• : Aet'sVof the Leg. 1851 Chap. 332, p. 67, •- ' 

fffj Vol'. 3. U. S. Stat, at Large. Chapter 29. pp. 753- T56. 

, t ;..C4i- .Vol.. 5.. p, 63, U. S. Stat at. Large. . 

■"■ (1) U. S. Stat, at ..Large, Vol 4. pp. 201-2.02. 

(2) U. S. Sen. Doc. 89 62nd Cong. 1st Session, p. .67. 

(3) U.S. Sen. Doc. 89. 62nd. Cong, 1st Session, p. 69. 

(4) Chap. 84. pp. 519-5C0. Vol. 9. U. S. Stat, at Large. 



to sell and transfer said lands to the purchasers, to 
fix the price, and make such arrangements for the 
drainage of swamp and overflowed lands as in their 
judgment may be most advantageous to the Internal 
Improvement Fund, and the settlement and cultiva- 
tion of the land, except that the alternate sections 
of the swamp and overflowed lands for six miles on 
each side may be granted by the General Assembly 
to such railroad companies to be hereafter chartered 
as they may deem proper on the compliance with 
the provisions of this Act as to the manner of con- 
structing the road and bridges, and the sale and 
transfer of the alternate sections thus granted shall 
be in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
Many other provisions relating to railroad construc- 
tion, the issuance of bonds and certificates, grants, 
etc., are likewise contained in said Act. 

It appears that at the time the swamp land grant 
was made to Florida that less than one half of one 
per cent, of the area was in cultivation. 

VALUE OF GRANT UNDERESTIMATED. 

It appears that the value of the swamp land grant 
was greatly underestimated by the statesmen of 
that day, both in value and in the magnitude there- 
of. Reports of land sales during the early years 
of the Fund show that selected lands were sold in 
small areas for amounts averaging considerably less 
than one dollar per acre, and that in subsequent 
years when lands were being sold in larger areas, 
not so well selected and located, that sales were 
made at twenty-five cents per acre, and less. 

AREA. 

On September 18, 1852, the General Laud Office., 
in response to inquiry for the area of swamp and 
overflowed lands in Florida, reported that tliere 
were inuring to the State under the Acts of Sep- 
tember 28, 1850, swamp and overflowed lauds as 
follows: 

In the Tallahassee District 195,207.61 acres 

In the Newnnnsville District 146.097.30 acres 

In the St. Augustine District 173,178.25 acres 

Total 514,483.16 acres 

and the Commissioner writes : "A true area may 
vary slightly from the above quantity, but it is be- 
lieved that the above statement is very nearly cor- 
rect. The inaccuracy is made to appear when it is 
shown that more than twenty million acres have 
been patented to Florida under the Act of 1850." 

POPULATION. 

The white population in Florida in 1850 was 
43,865. 

VALUES OF PROPERTY. 

The value of property in Florida in 1850 were 
as follows : 

Total value of property in West Florida .$7,319,596, 

Total va ue of property in Middle Florida 24,516,657 

Total value of property in East Florida 13,319,963 

Total value of property in South Florida 2,341,964 

Some important investigations were under way, 
Congress having previously granted to Doctor H, 

(1) Documents accompanying Gov. Thos, Brown's Message" 
1852. p. 111. - • - 

(2) Census Rep. Secty. State Nov. 21, 1855. Also Pub'.ished 
Documents accompanying Governor's. Message, p. 23. 

(3) Report of Secty. of State on Census 1855, accompanying 
the Message of the Governor, p. 26. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



49 



Perrine 1 a township of land for the cultivation of 
tropical fruits and plants near Cutler. 

Florida's public men were among the first to be 
alive to the question confronting- the people relating 
to the unreclaimed lands. Senator Westcott, 2 one 
of Florida's first Senators, introduced in the Senate 
of the United States the first bill on the subject of 
granting the swamp and overflowed lands to the 
States, entitled "A Bill to authorize the draining of 
the Everglades, in the State of Florida, by said 
State, and to grant the same to said State for that 
purpose." The Legislative Council in Florida had 
passed resolutions on the subject previously. Fal- 
lowing the introduction of the Bill by Senator West- 
cott, the Secretary of the Treasury, caused a recon- 
naissance of the Everglades to be made by Buck- 
ingham Smith, 3 which was afterwards submitted to 
the Committee on Public Lands of the United States 
Senate, having in charge the Westcott Bill intro- 
duced in 184S. During the consideration of the 
Bill Senator Westcott obtained from Harvard Uni- 
versity the manuscript for the use of the Library 
of Congress, the official reports of surveys made by 
Wm. Gerald DeBrahm, 4 an engineer of reputation, 
made in 1763. 

Other States became interested in the subject 
while the Westcott Bill was pending, and the first 
Act of Congress passed on the subject was March 
2, 1849, 5 in the name of the State of Louisiana; 
followed by the Act of 1850, 6 in the name of the 
State of Arkansas, and amended to cover other 
States wherein swamp and overflowed lands were 
situate. 

TWELVE LAND STATES, JANUARY 1, 1S49. 7 

It appears that under the provision of this Act 
the States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Ala- 
bama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Michigan, Arkansas, 
Wisconsin, Iowa and Florida were beneficiaries 
under this Act. The areas of the swamp lands then 
appearing as reported by the Surveyors-General at 
that date were insignficant compared with the re- 
sults that followed, particularly if Florida were to 
be taken as an illustration, for in that territory only 
562,170 acres were reported. 

1851. 

Following the Act of the Legislature accepting 
the swamp and overflowed land grant in 1850, and 
creating the Board of Internal Improvement with 
the State Engineer as its Chairman, and two mem- 
bers from each voting circuit, under the then ex- 
isting conditions it was found impracticable for 
such a public board to handle such a vast area of 
lands advantageously. The Board in an exceed- 
ingly generous and able presentation of the whole 
situation in the form of a report to the Legislature 
pointed out the difficulties and recommended a 
change of the whole system of management, as ap- 

(1) Executive Document 242. U. S. Senate. 30th Congress. 1st 
Session, p. 5. 

(2) Senate Report to Congress. 338. 30th Congress. 1st. Ses- 
sion, Senate Doc. No. 242. 

(3) Sen. Document No. 242. 30th Cong. 1st. Session. 

(4) Senate Document 242. Also Buckingham Smith's Report. 

(5) Senate Document Nos. 19 and 20. 31st Cong. 1st Session. 
January 28, 1850. p. 8. 

(6) Senate Document Nos. 19 and 20. 31st Cong. 1st Session. 
pp.7 and 8. 

(7) Senate Document 19. p. 10. 31st Cong. 1st Session. Jan. 
28, 1850. 



pears set forth in Chapter 610, Laws of Florida, 
creating the Trustees of the Internal Improvement 
Fund of the State of Florida, and granting the 
swamp and overflowed lands, together with the re- 
maining lands of the former Act of Congress for 
interna"! improvement purposes to the Fund, and 
providing in greater detail for the sale and man- 
agement of the Fund for the purposes therein set 
forth, particularly relating to drainage and reclama- 
1 tion of said lands. 

TRUSTEES OP THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND. 

From the date of the creation of the Internal Im- 
provement Fund in 1850, until 1879, a period of 
about twenty-nine years, the Trustees of the In- 
ternal Improvement Fund followed strictly the pro- 
visions of the law relating to drainage and reclama- 
tion, and in each and every instance prior to and in- 
cluding the year 1879 wherein the Legislature at- 
tempted to pass laws controlling or in any wise 
appropriating the lands, or the proceeds arising 
from the sale thereof, to purposes other than drain- 
age and reclamation, the Governor withheld his 
approval thereof, the veto of the Governor in every 
instance having been sustained. 

1879. 

During the session of the Legislature in 1879 1 
an Act of the Legislature was passed by which it 
was attempted to grant to the Gainesville, Ocala 
& Charlotte Harbor Railroad Company 10,000 acres 
of land of the Fund per mile to aid in the construc- 
tion of said railroad. The Governor vetoed the Act, 
and in a message it was made clear that it was the 
judgment of the Governor and the policy of the offi- 
cials in handling the lands of the Internal Improve- 
ment Fund, to follow the strict letter of the law 
and apply the lands in kind or the proceeds arising 
therefrom exclusively for the purpose of drainage 
and reclamation; that the lands themselves were 
primarily subject to such trust and disposition. 

RESIDUARY. 

It appears that when this veto message reached 
the Senate, instead of being voted on it was referred 
to the Committee of Railroads of the Senate, 2 which 
Committee reported a bill omitting from its pro- 
visions an absolute grant of lands, but instead 
thereof provided that the land grant therein con- 
tained would be subject to the rights of creditors 
and of the Trustees under the Act of January 6, 
1855, and to the control, management, sale and ap- 
propriation for the Trustees, this grant being con- 
sidered relating only to the residuary of the lands 
that would be left in the Fund after the trust had 
all been performed and creditors fully paid, and 
the reclamation of the swamp and overflowed lands 
completed. 

On March 4, 1881, 3 a general law was enacted on 
the same subject and to the same effect. Subse- 

(1) Governor's Message. Feb. 25, 1879. 

(2) Senate Journal Session of 1879. pp. 378-9-390. 
House Journal (1879) p. 52-55-56. 

Senate Journal (1879) pp. 396-414-442. 

Act passed, Chapter 3136. Approved March 4, 1879. 

Memorandum of Authorities. Brief State Supreme Court 

of W. S. Jennings in case of Wade vs. Atlantic 

Lumber Co. 

(3) Chap. 3326, approved March 4, 1881. p. 126. Revised 
Statutes Section 440. 



7— P. M. B. 



50 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



quently there were approximately thirty acts of the 
Legislature passed, granting swamp and overflowed 
lands to as many railroad corporations, but with 
one or two exceptions, in the detail of the acts each 
and every act was either applicable to the general 
law on the subject, or contained a provision therein 
to the same effect. 

ADMINISTRATION 1901-1905. 

I have been importuned to set forth in this article 
my personal efforts in connection with the Internal 
Improvement Fund and its varied history, its man- 
agement, disposition and progress. 

TRUSTEES OF THE INTERNAL IMPROVEMENT FUND. 

This I am unwilling to do without having the 
reader understand that whatever efforts I have put 
forth and whatever services I may have rendered 
in connection with the great Fund have been shared 
by the faithful officials burdened with the responsi- 
bility of administering one of the greatest trusts 
that State officials ever experienced; and if I should 
make references, for greater convenience, to my 
own efforts in this behalf, it is with the understand- 
ing that it applies with equal effect to those faithful 
associates who shared in the efforts. 

It is deemed proper to state in this connection 
that when I was elected Governor little was known, 
generally speaking, of the status of the public lands 
in Florida. No political issue involving the ques- 
tion of public lands had been before the people of 
Florida since the Civil War, save and except subse- 
quent transactions, paramount among them being 
what is usually referred to as the Disston sale and 
incident thereto. 

NO AVAILABLE INFORMATION. 

On my personal investigations, research and study 
of the problems concerning the Internal Improve- 
ment Fund, I feel justified and in fact compelled to 
say that there was no available comprehensive in- 
formation to aid one in his research, or to under- 
stand or determine the status of the public lands 
of this State. 

NO RECORDS. 

To illustrate: It does not appear to have been 
the duty of any official to keep any record showing 
the status of the public lands. The result may be 
illustrated by calling attention to the system, or 
lack of system, that prevailed among the various de- 
partments and officials in connection therewith— 
the Governor was a member of the Trustees of the 
Internal Improvement Fund by virtue of the Act 
of the Legislature of 1850. Among his official 
duties 1 was that to invite the attention of the Leg- 
islature to such things as he deemed proper as 
provided for under the Constitution. This was at 
all times done, but separate and apart and inde- 
pendent from any other office, records or documents, 
and as a rule occupied a very small paragraph of 
some transaction or reference of a general charac- 
ter to the Fund. This is universally true, with pos- 
sibly one or two exceptions, which will be hereinaf- 

(T) "The Governor shall communicate by message to the 
Legislature at each regular session, information concerning the 
condition of the State and recommend such measures as he may 
deem expedient." 



ter stated. Samples of these references may be 
found in the language — "Sicump and Overflowed 
Lands: That State's officials have been diligent in 
perfecting the selection of swamp and overflowed 
lands granted by Congress, and they now amount 
to something like over eleven million acres, with a 
possibility ultimately of about three million more." 
(1855). 

ANOTHER SAMPLE. 

"The reports of the Surveyor General of the Board 
of the Internal Improvement Fund, show the affairs 
of that department in rather a confused and un- 
settled condition, but exhibit vast resources which 
invite immigration and afford ample means for in- 
ternal development." * * * Shows 70,000 acres 
sold and approximately 300,000 acres deeded to pay 
interest on bonds of railroad companies, and contin- 
ues : "The amount of the State domain undisposed 
of is estimated at 10,418,437 acres. To this may be 
added several millions of acres, yet unsurveyed, 
which will inure to the State under the Act of Con- 
gress." (1869). "The report of the Internal Im- 
provement Fund complete will be laid before you as 
required by law, at an early date." (1875). 

General reference is made to pending propositions 
and proposals for the internal improvement of the 
State, which have not been accepted. Several rail- 
roads, canals and other corporations have been in- 
corporated under the General Act and are now 
pushing forward their work, notably among which 
are several railroads in the eastern part of the State 
which are now nearly completed. Further and com- 
plete list of the corporations recently organized ac- 
companies the report of the Secretary of State. 
(1881). 

Reference of a general character is made to swamp 
and overflowed lands, the lands granted for internal 
improvement, acres patented and disposed of exclu- 
sive from lands sold to Mr. Disston, with reference 
to the Disston sale, appears in the message of 1883. 

In 1885 some reference is made in the message of 
the Governor to the reclamation of the lands under 
the contract with the Atlantic & Gulf Coast Canal 
& Okeechobee Company. 

No reference appears in the message of 1887 to the 
swamp land matters, except relating to the proceed- 
ings before the General Land Office accepting the 
appointment of a commissioner to investigate the 
work of the Atlantic & Gulf Coast Canal & Okeecho- 
bee Land Company. 

The only reference to the compromise and adjust- 
ment of the matters pending between the trustees 
and the Atlantic & Gulf Coast Canal & Okeechobee 
Land Company appears in the Governor's message 
of 1889. Likewise in 1891 and 1893 ; no reference to 
the subject in the message of 1895 or 1897. 

Slight reference to information obtained from the 
Commissioner of Agriculture's report as to the sale 
of the swamp, internal improvement, school and sem- 
inary lands is made in the Governor's message of 
1899, except the reference to a contract entered into 
between the Trustees and the Florida East Coast 
Drainage & Sugar Company of a hopeful character. 
(1901). 

This will serve to illustrate the lack of informa- 
tion available to the incoming Governor on the sub- 
ject, and the subject of public lands not having been 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



51 



an issue before the Legislature or people for up- 
wards of 25 years is pleaded as a justification for 
the omission of such an important subject in the 
message of the Governor of 1901, since which time 
much has been written and accomplished concerning 
the public lands and their development. 

LEGISLATURES. 

It may be that Governors are not expected to 
know all of the details of the various departments 
of State, and that the public might conclude that 
this not being wholly within the functions of the 
executive office that the failure on behalf of the va- 
rious governors to set forth in some comprehensive 
manner the status of the public land fund, as point- 
ed out, is not due solely to the reason that Gover- 
nors are not expected to know all of the details of 
the various departments of Government, but applies 
with equal force to the general knowledge of recur- 
ring Legislatures and the unsystematic manner of 
furnishing available data to the public. To illus- 
trate : 

No comprehensive statement of the Internal Im- 
provement Fund touching the acreage of the fund, 
its disposition, or status, is found in the journals of 
the Legislature prior to 1905. In the early journals 
of the Legislature prior to probably 1901 the public 
journals are not indexed, making it practically im- 
possible to find matters and things contained 
therein. There bave been from time to time matters 
of importance appearing in the Legislative journals, 
but usually on some particular point and not cover 
ing in any comprehensive sense the affairs of tlie 
fund 

MINUTES OF THE TRUSTEES OP TH!i INTERNAL IMPROVE- 
MENT FUND. 

The student need not consider that the Governors 
and Legislators, their messages or journals, were 
the only documents lacking in information in con- 
venient form for the public use. The minutes of the 
Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund were 
not published until we had them published in 1903- 
1905 1 ; neither were they available for general infor- 
mation. This does not mean that they were not pub- 
lic records and subject to inspection by the public, 
but I do hope to convey the idea that they appeared 
in minute form as minutes of public boards are 
usually kept, the proceedings of each meeting of the 
Trustees being recorded and subsequent^ approved 
by tbe presiding officers, and as an independent 
separate document, in none of which reports prior to 
1901 have I found any comprehensive tables show- 
ing the status of the public lands, or any informa- 
tion upon which the status of the public lands could 
be determined by accountants, for the reason that 
only such individual transactions as came before 
the Trustees from time to time touching individual 
projects, appear in the minutes. True, there had 
been from time to time biennial statements of per- 
haps annual reports or statements, furnished to the 
Legislature when it convened, covering the transac- 
tions of the Trustees in a general way during the 
preceding two years. 

(1) Mins. of the Tr. I. I. Fund Vol. 5, pp. 81-82-83 ; 222-278. 



LEGISLATORS UNADVISED. 

This accounts, no doubt, for the lack of knowledge 
on the part of the Legislators through a period of 
25 years concerning the status of the public lands. 
It is barely possible that during that period of time 
there were a few public men who had some detail 
information touching a comprehensive character of 
this vast fund, but if so they failed to make a record 
of it for the convenience of the public; and from 
personal experience as a Legislator I know how ab- 
solutely impossible it was for the average Legislator 
to find out anything of a comprehensive character 
concerning the status of the Internal Improvement 
Fund, particularly relating to the question as to 
whether or not there were any lands in the fund for 
disposition, or the quantity, if any, and whether or 
not the Legislature had any power or authority over 
such lands and funds. 

RESIDUARY LANDS. 

This, it is pointed out, led to the indiscriminate 
passage of many of the Acts of the Legislature re- 
lating to the lands of the Fund, that become so over- 
whelming and caused so much mystery to be thrown 
around the Fund and leaders in the House of Bep- 
resentatives to announce, as they did during my 
services, that there were no lands in the Fund ; that 
the lands of the Fund had long since been granted 
away. 

PUBLIC MEN. 

The public archives and history fail to present, 
so far as my research has been extended, a public 
document or statement of a public man, revealing 
in any comprehensive sense the status of Florida's 
public lands. 

LAND OFFICE. 

The land office of the State is a part of the De- 
partment of Agriculture. The system in vogue in 
the land office covered only concluded transactions, 
the records of deeds issued, plats of surveys made, 
and possibly some miscellaneous reports, but no 
system covering land grants, as they merely ap- 
peared in Legislative Acts. The Legislative Act 
usually referred to grants as 10,000 acres per mile 
to an undefined and undetermined and unstated 
mileage so that no record could be made of it, and 
besides it was no part of the business of the Land 
office to keep a record of Legislative Acts. The 
General Land office only passed upon applications 
on behalf of the Internal Improvement Fund for 
patent, to approve lists of land furnished, so that it 
is fair to state that there was no information avail- 
able to the student ; there was no official that could 
furnish the data known to the student or the legis- 
lator. 

LAND AREA. 

It appears that even the land area of the State 
had not been determined when I began my investi- 
gation of the question, and much correspondence 
was indulged in following extraordinary research, 
involving months, to have determined the area of 
Florida in order to have a point of beginning to 
work out the many questions touching the quantity 
of swamp and overflowed lands granted to the State 
by the Act of 1850, and its disposition. This will 



52 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



all serve to illustrate the scope of the necessary re- 
search and inquiry and something of the time re- 
quired to find the data in the various departments 
of the Government, to classify and put in tangible 
form data from which general results could be de- 
duced. 

1901. 

During the year 1901 the Trustees determined to 
ascertain their powers and duties, which seemed to 
be questioned seriously and in grave doubt. They 
employed counsel of known ability to study the one 
question touching their powers and duties of the 
trust fund. After much research, investigation and 
study, written opinions were furnished by three emi- 
nent attorneys of the Florida Bar, namely, Messrs. 
R. W. Williams, of Tallahassee Bar; T. L. Clark 
of the Monticello Bar; and D. U. Fletcher of the 
Jacksonville Bar, and while these opinions did not 
agree on all points, they furnished the Trustees 
much light on the subject. 

JENNINGS DIRECTS RESEARCH STATE ARCHIVES. 

In August, 1902, I accepted an invitation to open 
the California State Fair at San Francisco, and 
upon our return we stopped over a day or two at 
Manitou, Colorado, having visited some of the Fed- 
eral Government's reclamation projects which 
brought to mind and emphasized the great necessity 
of furthering the reclamation of some of Florida's 
most fertile lands, and in connection with other con- 
siderations pending concerning the public lands, I 
wrote a letter from the hotel at Manitou to Col. L. 
F. Robertson, who was doing special work in the 
Executive Office, outlining data desired, and direct- 
ing him to make research and report his findings 
concerning the Everglades, its topography, some- 
thing of its formation, elevation, area, title and all 
available data on the subject. He had begun his 
research before I returned a few days later. He con- 
tinued his efforts until March 1903, making many- 
reports in the meantime and receiving further in- 
structions. The result of his labors and research 
is found in my message to the Legislature of 1903 
at pages 67 to 78. 

In this will be found under the title "Drainage 
and Reclamation," deductions from a careful study 
of the history of the State as far back as territorial 
days and since. And under the title "Everglades" 
is reference to the area and a slight effort to reclaim 
it, pointing out that one of the great difficulties in 
the way of reclamation has been the uncertain con- 
dition of the title, and that no patent had been 
issued. Reference is made to the soil condition, to 
the early expeditions, the topography of the country 
is admirably photographed in this compilation. 

All of the principal instances concerning the Ever- 
glades are indicated therein — engineers' reports, 
levels, relating to the soil conditions, its wonderful 
fertility; profile maps were submitted as will be 
found in the message, showing the normal level of 
Lake Okeechobee to be 20.42 feet above mean low 
water level of the Gulf on one side and the Atlantic 
on the other, with the names of the various rivers 
and streams through which the waters from the 
great lake flow, including references to Buckingham 
Smith's report made to the U. S. Senate, in connec- 



tion with the passage of the Act granting swamp 
lands in 1848. 

This information was also used in obtaining the 
patent to the Everglades, and it is to the credit of 
Colonel Robertson and his faithful research that the 
data found and reported by him, has proven so very 
accurate. 

MINUTES PUBLISHED. 

This was followed by the Trustees ordering all 
of the minutes of the Fund from 1850 down to date 
to be published in convenient form for distribution 
and use of the public. 

LAWS COMPILED. 

We also caused all of the Acts of the Legislature 
to be compiled ; also all of the minutes of the Trus- 
tees relating to the disposition of lands to be com- 
plied, the archives to be searched for documents and 
papers concerning the public lands and their dispo- 
sition. More than a year's time was consumed in 
this form of research, reports and study. This was 
followed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. 
McLin, installing a new system of abstracting and 
indexing the records of the Land Office, and later 
it was found that the information was still incom- 
plete; that we had not reached the point where the 
ordinary questions concerning the Fund, such as 
how many acres of land the Fund had, or was enti- 
tled to, could be answered. We had begun to realize 
the stupendous task — two years had gone by — all of 
the questions still unanswered. 

EVERGLADES PATENT. 

Sufficient information had been obtained to invite 
the Trustees' attention to the fact that a large area 
of the lands situated in the Everglades had never 
been patented to the State, and a determination on 
the part of the Trustees to make a special effort to 
obtain the patent notwithstanding grave questions 
burdened the Trustees touching the advisability of 
such a step, particularly on account of the unknown 
condition and status and effect of the many Acts 
of the Legislature granting lands to railroad, com- 
panies. 

APPLICATION FOR PATENT TO EVERGLADES. 

In accordance with the wishes of the Trustees, and 
in pursuance of the Act of Congress granting the 
lands, I made formal applicationn for the patent to 
the Everglades. 

INDIANS'" CLAIM. 

Without going into the detail of the proceedings 
following the application, it is deemed sufficient to 
point out in this behalf that the application was de- 
nied by the Swamp Land Department, the ground 
being assigned that certain investigations were 
being carried on by the United States Government 
concerning the rights of the Indians in the Ever- 
glades and for this reason the matter was consid- 
ered under suspension. After some delay this was 
overcome by showing the status of the Indians in the 
territory, and that they had no rights under the 
treaties to any lands in the Everglades. 

UNSURVEYED. 

The Department then declined the application for 
the issuance of the patent on the further ground 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



53 



that the lands were not surveyed, and for this rea- 
son it could not be determined under the Act 
whether the lands were of the character of swamp 
and overflowed lands. This led to a further re- 
search and the preparation of data and the presen- 
tation thereof before the authorities in Washington 
to establish the character of the land by public doc- 
uments, among them being reports of the General 
Land Office and Surveyor General's Office of the 
United States, which were convincing and to the 
effect that the lands within the area of the Ever- 
glades were of the character granted under the Act 
of 1850. and were as a matter of fact the very lands 
that the author of the first bill presented to the Con- 
gress of the United States had in mind when he 
drafted the bill after elaborate review, investiga- 
tion, research and report furnished the Committee 
of the Senate on Public Lands, and other evidences 
tending to show the character of the land. All of 
these matters were prepared and presented in per- 
son to the swamp land department, and a decision 
obtained to issue the patent upon an approved list 
to be prepared by the Department, notwithstanding 
the previous objections urged thereto. 

APPROVED LIST. 

An approved list was prepared in due course by 
the Swamp Land Department and forwarded to the 
Land Office in Tallahassee, which included the en- 
tire area without exempting the sixteenth section 
reserved by law for school purposes, and exempted 
all of the islands within the area. 

DECLINED BY THE GOVERNOR. 

The approved, list with these conditions was not 
satisfactory, and I declined to make application for 
the patent based on this list. 

Further data was prepared to show the Depart- 
ment that the sixteenth section could not be pat- 
ented, and that the expression exempting the islands 
within the territory was fraught with such insinu- 
ative possibilities that it was deemed unwise to 
accept a patent with such reservation. Little was 
known of the real character of the Everglades at 
that date. Many suggestions and legends of an in- 
definite character left the impression that there 
might be dotted about over the entire area small 
parcels or tracts of indefinite areas that might in 
the future, following successful reclamation, be 
deemed or called islands, thus leaving in an un- 
settled condition the titles to a great area in num- 
berless tracts of the lands sought, and it was urged 
that such a condition and reservation should be 
eliminated from the approved list, and that the pat- 
ent should not contain such a provision. This the 
Swamp Land Department declined to do. 

GENERAL LAND OFFICE. 

An appeal was taken before the General Land 
Commissioner and upon consideration he confirmed 
the findings of the Swamp Land Department. 

An appeal was likewise taken from the ruling of 
the Commissioner to the Honorable Secretary of 
the Interior. 

I argued the propositions before the Assistant 
Attorney General, acting Assistant Secretary of the 
Interior, in person, and within a few days there- 



after the former orders were modified, and it was 
directed that the patent issue upon an approved list 
of lands eliminating the sixteenth section and the 
reservation of the islands within the territory, and 
in lieu thereof the only reservation contained in 
the patent, after the description of the property, 
reads : "That there are eliminated and excepted 
from the above all islands in the Gulf of Mexico ad- 
jacent to the mainland." Patent issued April 29, 
1903. for 2,862,080 acres. 

INVESTIGATION CONTINUED. 

The Trustees, having assumed the responsibility 
of obtaining the patent to the Everglades, and be- 
ing undecided as to what the final result thereof 
might be, redoubled their energy to master that sit- 
uation ; and much research, study and thought was 
devoted to the question. All of the departments 
having data or information touching on the subject 
were called upon for assistance, and co-operated 
fully and faithfully, as did all of the employees, in- 
cluding special clerical aid, and forms of statements 
were prepared. 

I prepared formal statements and transmitted 
them to the Honorable Commissioner of Agriculture 
to have made up so far as the records of his office 
showed, demonstrating the status of railroad land 
grant claims, deeds and grants which may be in- 
dicated by the headings of the statements prepared 
as follows r 1 

I'll Table No. 1 to show in tabular form lands 
granted by and conveyed to constructed railroads 
claiming other than alternate sections, giving the 
name of the railroad, miles claimed as constructed, 
acres claimed per mile, total acres, acres deeded 
other than alternate sections, acres . deeded within 
alternate sections within six and twenty mile limit, 
total acres deeded, acres claimed and not deeded, 
acres in certificates issued by the Trustees, acres 
claimed and not in deeds or certificates, and total 
acres claimed and not deeded. It will be observed 
that in order to comply with this request that all 
of the land grants made by the Legislature had to 
be examined ; that inquiry had to be made and the 
mileage of all constructed railroads had to be as- 
certained; that all certificates previously issued by 
the Trustees which contained an agreement on be- 
half of the Trustees that they would deed the land 
described in such cretificate when the lands therein 
contained were patented had to be examined, to 
answer these questions, or to enable the great force 
of the Department to prepare such a statement. 

(2) Table Xo. 2 was designed to show a com- 
plete statement and showing of railroads which re- 
ceived no deeds to swamp and overflowed lands ex- 
cept in alternate sections within the six and twenty 
mile limit, and when it is borne in mind that there 
are upwards of twenty of such railroads, and that 
the mileage had to be first ascertained, the location 
determined, and a search made for every deed con- 
tained in the records to such companies, some idea 
may be formed of the task before the Department, 
resulting in showing upwards of a million and a 
quarter acres had been conveyed under this table. 

(1) Commissioner of Agriculture Report 1905. 

Governor Broward's ( Special) Message to the Legislature 
of 1905. 

Senate Journal Governor's Message, 1905. 



54 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



(3) Table No. 3 was a table showing the recap- 
itulation of all swamp and overflowed lands con- 
veyed to railroads, not including lands embraced in 
certificates, there being upwards of 25 railroads in 
this class, and there having been over nine million 
acres deeded thereto. 

(4) Table No. 4 was a table showing a state- 
ment of swamp and overflowed lands conveyed to 
canal and drainage companies. While there were 
only three or four companies enumerated, there had 
been conveyed to them something like three mil- 
lion acres of lands. 

(5) Table No. 5 was a statement of lands in out- 
standing certificates previously issued to railroad 
companies, aggregating 134,400 acres. 

(6) Table No. 6 was to show the number of acres 
approved direct by the United States to railroads in 
Florida under Act of Congress of May 17, 1856, and 

(7) Table No. 7 was designed to show the status 
of all swamp and overflowed lands patented to the 
State under Act of Congress of September 28, 1850, 
which showed that 20,204,311.16 acres had been pat- 
ented to Florida under the Act of Congress of Sep- 
tember 28, 1850; that 8,724,461.33 acres had been 
conveyed to railroad companies; that 2,779,772.68 
acres had been deeded to drainage companies; that 
4,000,000 acres had been deeded to Disston, and the 
remainder up to a total of 18,6773,148.34 had been 
disposed of to individuals as shown by the state- 
ment, leaving a balance of swamp and overflowed 
lands in the Internal Improvement Fund on Janu- 
ary 1, 1905, of 2,980,239.46 acres. 

These tables were all adopted by the Honorable 
Commissioner of Agriculture and made a part of his 
report of 1905, at the close of the Jennings' admin- 
istration, and are now a part of the permanent 
records of the office. 

GOVERNOR N. B. BROWARD. 

They were also presented in the original form to 
my successor in office, and will be found in his mes- 
sage to the Legislature as it appears in the Jour- 
nals of 1905. 

FAMOUS MAP 1903. 

During my term and study of the land grant ques- 
tion I caused a map of the State to be prepared 
through the Land Department by John T. Costa, 
one of the efficient clerks of the office, familiar with 
the records, and a draftsman of superior skill, upon 
which was painted the actual description of each 
land grant to each of the various railroads wherever 
located, the lands wherever situate, the Trustees of 
the Internal Improvement Fund paying Mr. Costa 
for his special services in connection with the prep- 
aration of the map 1 . This may was also transmitted 
to my successor in office, with the volumes of accu- 
mulated data on the public land subject. This map 
served a great purpose — it brought to the attention 
of the public and the men interested in the question 
the whole situation of the public lands at a glance, 
so to speak, and incited the keenest interest auiong 
the people concerning the State's public land.s. 
Sketch maps were afterwards made thereof, vividly 
portraying the statuts of the land grants, by the 
late Governor Broward, in his campaign for Gov- 
ernor, and was made famous by his vigorous argu- 
ments and efforts in saving the public lands. 

(I) Vol. 5. Mins. of the Tr. I. I. Fund, p. 260. 



SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS. 

The settlement of outstanding claims against the 
Fund was afterwards considered during the investi- 
gation referred to, but no tangible plan had ap- 
peared. At one time it was indicated that many 
of the railroad claimants would dispose of their 
land grants for amounts considered nominal, rang- 
ing from four to five cents per acre claimed, to 
eleven cents per acre claimed. About 1903 such 
suggestions took the shape of negotiations and en- 
couraging reports were made from time to time, 
but nothing tangible was presented. Later, during 
the latter part of 1904, a tentative agreement was 
reached between representatives of what we under- 
stood to be all of the outstanding claims of all of 
the various railroads, for lands embraced in what 
is known as certificates, in which the Trustees had 
previously agreed to deed the lands therein de- 
scribed when the lands were patented, and the 
claims eminating from the open Legislative grants 
that had not been followed up by any action on the 
part of the Trustees which were of unknown effect 
from a legal standpoint, and unknown in quantity 
as to the acreage required or earned. 

A tentative agreement was reached, to be followed 
by arrangements for starting drainage works in the 
Everglades. A conference was arranged between 
the parties interested, to meet in Jacksonville. At- 
torney General Ellis and myself represented the 
Trustees. Messrs. W. F. Coachman, of the Consoli- 
dated Land Company; Mr. Welch, representing the 
Southern States Land & Timber Company, and pos- 
sibly others, representing their respective companies, 
and Mr. Jno. A. Graham, representing many of the 
railroad land grant claims, met at the Aragon Hotel 
and had an extended conference, and the plans gone 
over and prices and terms appeared agreeable, and 
the representatives of the Trustees were prepared 
to make favorable recommendation as the other 
contracting parties seemed ready to proceed with 
their part of the negotiations, and an early meeting 
was called at Tallahassee, where the whole matter 
could be submitted to the Trustees of the Internal 
Improvement Fund for final consideration and 
action, to which conference I invited Mr. N. B. 
Broward, afterwards Governor. 

MEETING IN TALLAHASSEE. 

At the conference in Tallahassee the whole situa- 
tion was gone over and appeared to be quite satis- 
factory to all parties. It is apparent that the result 
of our negotiations meant the cancellation of all 
outstanding land grant claims to settle the entire 
question of claims on the remnant- fund in hand, 
and that great care had to be exercised in taking 
this step for the reason that a settlement and pay- 
ment of a portion of the claims might have the 
effect of only preparing the way for other claim- 
ants to demand all that was left, as there had been 
upwards of 11,000,000 acres of land granted as 
appeared on the face of the law, with only 3,000,000 
acres, in round numbers, left with which to pay, and 
upon a verification of what was considered an elab- 
orate and complete showing of the status of the 
land grants. At this conference I was perhaps for- 
tunate in recalling an incident that occurred in my 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



55 



Legislative experience wherein an act granting 
lands to a railroad company had been passed, which 
did not appear in the statements before me; and 
at this junction I retired to the executive office ad- 
joining and examined the Act of 1893 and found 
that the same had not been taken into the Act; 
that it had never been presented to the Land Office; 
that no claim had ever been filed thereunder; and 
then it was apparent that if all of the land grants 
except this one were satisfied it would become en- 
titled to the lands remaining in the Fund, and was 
almost large enough to exhaust it. Whereupon, the 
negotiations were abruptly brought to a close. 

John A. Graham, who had been putting forth 
earnest effort as the representative of many of the 
railroads' land grants, afterwards sold several of 
the claims he represented to the Wisner Land Com- 
pany. 

SAVE THE PUBLIC LANDS. 

During the first few days of the Jennings admin- 
istration, question were presented concerning the 
public lands that required immediate and heroic 
treatment. During the first week of the administra- 
tion application was made for deeds of conveyances 
to lands in Taylor and Lafayette counties, deeds 
having been executed and delivered to the First Na- 
tional Bank of Tallahassee by the former adminis- 
tration to 100,000 acres of land, conditioned upon 
the commencement of the construction of a railroad 
from Tallahassee to Perry (p. 34, Vol. 15, Minutes 
of the Trustees). 

Applications to purchase some of the same lands 
were made within a few days thereafter (p. 36, Vol. 
5), and of course, the question of whether the Trus- 
tees had any lands to sell or whether they belonged 
to the railroad company immediately presented 
themselves. This was followed within the first 
month by application on behalf of two railroad land 
grant claimants for a decision on the question of 
priorities between the companies contending for the 
same land in Taylor county. As stated, it was soon 
found that these particular lands, both under appli- 
cation for sale and for conveyance to railroad claim- 
ants, were embraced in the deeds to another railroad 
then held by the bank in escrow, and thus the com- 
plex situation of the Internal Improvement Fund 
began to dawn upon us. 

Within two or three months the escrow papers 
expired. An application was made to extend the 
escrow, which the Board declined. I was authorized 
and directed to demand the surrender of the two 
deeds conveying upwards of 100,000 acres in Taylor 
county, and report the deeds back to the Board (Vol. 
5j P. 57), which was reported back May 4, 1901, and* 
the deeds were destroyed by the Board (Vol. 5, p. 
60). 

This was the beginning of the determination of 
the Trustees to save the public lands, and the estab- 
lishment of a policy that in the future the public 
lands should represent value and be paid for. 

The lands described in the deeds formerly in 
escrow were afterwards sold to N. G. Wade for 
$250,000, which was afterwards the subject of liti- 
gation, the Trustees having been enjoined in the 
suits mentioned herein from using the money, the 
L. & N. Kailroad Company claiming the lands and 
the proceeds arising from the sale thereof, obtained 



an injunction against its use, which was afterwards 
settled with the company. The Atlantic, Suwannee 
& Gulf Railway Company claimed the same lands, 
and instituted suit therefor, which reached the Su- 
preme Coust and was decided in favor of the Wade 
title. Later suit was instituted on behalf of R. G. 
Peters in the United States Court, and appealed to 
the United States Court of Appeals, and finally to 
the United States Supreme Court, and was decided 
in favor of the Wade title. 

In the early part of the year 1901 1 the representa- 
tives of the various railroad companies made de- 
mands for hearings before the Trustees to settle 
questions of priorities between claimants under Rail- 
road Land Grants to large areas of lands claimed to 
have geen granted by the Legislature. The Trustees 
could not determine these questions. The result was 
a 2 fixed policy to not deed any lands under such 
claims, and none were deeded from 1901-1905, amd 
thus placing on the Minutes of the Board a fixed 
policy of the Trustees concerning the fund, and re- 
voked all questions of the policy and resolutions 
of contrary import. 

Litigation followed and was pending at the close 
of my term and inauguration of Governor Broward 
in 1905-1909. Following the inauguration of Gover- 
nor Broward I was engaged by the Trustees as gen- 
eral counsel 3 and put in charge of all the litigation, 
and with me for the first year were associated 
Messrs. Bryan & Bryan, of the Jacksonville bar, and 
R. W. Williams, of Tallahassee. Many questions 
were pending and three or four suits had been insti 
tuted at this time. Later other suits were instituted 
against the fund, aggregating eighteen in number, 4 
involving the entire landed fund and all of the 
moneys thereof. The subsequent three years I con- 
ducted all of the litigation, the principal suits hav- 
ing been instituted in the United States Courts, and 
finally being consolidated in a test suit before Judge 
Swayne in Pensacola, in which test suit were in- 



(1) Page 37. Vol. 5. Mins. of Tr. I. I. Fund. Also p. 72, 
Vol. 5. 

(2) Vol. 5. Mins. Tr. I. I. Fund. pp. 265-267 Revocation of 
reservation certificates, grants and deeds of the Canal Company, p. 
268. 

Also the A. G. C. & Co., p. 272. 

.Tax. St. Aug. & Halifax, p. 281. 

Sanford & Indian Rv. Ry. p. 282. 

Atlantic, Suwannee Rv. & Gulf. p. 263. 

Kittell, p. 263. 

L. & N. Ry. Co. p. 263. 

P. & A. p. 264. 

Thomasville & Tallahassee, p. 264. 
Florida Southern, p. 264. 
Gainesville & Ocala. p. 264. 
S. F. & W. Ry. p. 264. 
South Florida, p. 264. 
Tallahassee Southeastern, p. 265. 

(3) Voll. 6, Mins. Trs. I. I. Fund, p. 12. 
F. E. C. p. 265. 

Jax. St. Aug. & Indian Rv. p. 265. 
Blue Springs, p. 265. 
J. T. & K. W. p. 265. 

(4) L. & N. Ry. Co. vs. Trustees. (1902) 
Trustees vs. L. & N. (Appeal 1907). 
Kittell vs. Trustees. (1903) 
Trustees vs. Kittell. (1903) 

L. & N. Ry. Co. vs. Trustees (Second suit 1904). 

Wisner Land Co. vs. Trustees. (1906). 

Wisner Land Co. vs. Trustees (Second suit 1907). 

Fla. E. Coast Ry. Co. vs. Trustees (1902). 

Fla. East Coast Canal & T. Co. vs. Trustees. (1902). 

United States vs. Heitman (1907). 

Southern States Ld. & Timber Co. vs. Trustees. (1906). 
Tallahassee Southeastern R. R. Co. vs. Trustees (1905). 
Florida East Coast Ry. Co. vs. Trustees, (In U. S. Court 

at Pensacola 1907). 
R. G. Peters vs. Trustees (1907) Also U. S. Court (1907) 

Court of Appeals (1907). U. S. Sup. Ct. (1910). 
United Land Co. vs. Trustees. (1906). 
Mabry vs. Trustees (1907). 
Sledge vs. Trustees. (1907). 
Root vs. Gardner (Trustees Lands. 1908). 



56 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



volved the claims of the L. & N. Railway Company 
to compel the Trustees to convey to it 1,117,000 acres 
of land of the Fund and deliver to it |251,102.55 
moneys on hand and interest thereon. 

Also involved was the claim of the Wisner Land 
Company to compel the delivery of 929,520 acres; 
the Southern States Land & Timber Company to 
compel the conveyance of 298,000 acres, and the 
Florida East Coast Railway Company to compel the 
conveyance of 2,040,000 acres. 

As stated, the whole subject matter of the Fund, 
both lands and moneys, was resolved in one case 
and presented to Judge Swayne upon application to 
enjoin the Trustees from the exercise of any discre- 
tionary power over the Fund or any disposition of 
any of the lands for any purpose other than to deed 
them to railroad companies under their separate 
land grants made by the Legislature, the Trustees 
contending that they did have the power to do all 
of these things complained of and full discretion to 
sell and dispose of the lands and to use the proceeds 
thereof for the purposes of drainage and reclama- 
tion. The hearing was had on May 2d, 1 1907. After 
extended argument the court in effect granted the 
injunction as prayed and directed the attorneys for 
the railroads to prepare the decree accordingly. 

CRISIS OP THE FUND. 

This was the crisis of the Fund. While no sur- 
prise to counsel for the Trustees, it was appalling, 
and the consequences to flow therefrom suggested 
that nothing short of what might appear to be an 
excessive bond would save the Fund from complete 
annihilation. Whereupon I asked the Court to re- 
quire the companies to furnish a $500,000 bond, if 
the order as directed was to be signed by the Court, 
and in this argument it was pointed out that the 
Trustees had expended about $500,000 in beginning 
the drainage work that had been recently begun and 
in the construction of the two or three dredges then 
operating. That if the decree was granted as di- 
rected it was apparent that the dredges would have 
to stop work, the Land Office close, and the work 
begun become vaueless, this causing the loss to the 
Fund of a value even greater than a $500,000 bond 
would protect. At the close of this argument a mo- 
tion was made for an appeal and the Court inquired 
of counsel to know what acreage of land would be 
required to be exempt from such an order to enable 
the fund to proceed with its work, pending an ap- 
peal to the Circuit Court of Appeals. I answered : 
A hundred thousand acres (100,000) . That the max- 
imum price received to that date for land had been 
forty cents (.40) per acre. That it would require 
$40,000 to continue the dredges then on the field in 
operation for six months. Whereupon the Court 
modified its direction to the extent that it included 
counsel for both parties in its direction to prepare 
a decree, and in that direction that 100,000 acres be 
exempt from the order with right to the Trustees to 
sell or otherwise dispose of the land for the purpose 
of using the proceeds for drainage and reclamation. 

trustees' decision sustained. 

This order of Judge Swayne sustained the deter- 
mination and judgment of the Trustees of the Jen- 

(1) Mins. of U. S. Court at Pensacola. 



nings administration. It was followed by an appli- 
cation to modify the decree thus signed by striking 
out that part of exempting lands for sale for the 
purpose of using the proceeds for drainage and rec- 
lamation and the cause reargued a few days later 
before Judge Swayne. At the close of the argument 
Judge Swayne declined to change or revoke the fea- 
ture of the former decree authorizing the Trustees 
to sell or dispose of the lands for the purpose of 
drainage and reclamation. It was this decree, 1 in 
my opinion, that settled the whole subject of the 
main and general litigation against the Trustees of 
the Internal Improvement Fund. Settlements fol- 
lowed this decision. The other suits pending had 
only reached points of preliminary or interloc- 
utory orders, except in one or two instances in which 
decrees had been favorable to the Trustees. 

settlements. 

Negotiations had been pending for settlement of 
the L. & N. Railway and other claims since the 
early part of 1901, and were continued in more or 
less indefinite form until November 13, 1907, when 
the matter was taken up in definite form and pur 
sued to final consummation, 2 requiring volumes of 
documents, papers, statements, etc., to adjust the 
amounts and claims involving months of patient 
and continuous toil, with assistance of trained 
clerical help. 

RESULT 

The result of the adjustment and settlement was 
to the effect that the L. & N. conveyed to the State 
School Fund its claim to 1,072,169 acres and re- 
leased the injunction against the Trustees for the 
$265,000.00, being the proceeds of sale of 103,000 
acres of land previously sold and moneys having 
been enjoined by the Railroad Company from use 
by the Trustees. 

Simultaneously therewith adjustment was made 
with the Southern States Land & Timber Company, 3 
pending in the United States Circuit Court against 
the Trustees to compel the Trustees to convey 
398,051 acres covered by certificates issued in 1888 
to the L. & N., for which certificates the former 
Trustees agreed to convey the lands therein de- 
scribed when patented, amounting to 374,831 acres, 
for and in consideration of the sum of $113,936.95 
paid out of the Fund obtained from sales of lands 
involved in the suit. 

These settlements also involved adjustments be- 
tween the L. & N. and former grantees, indemnity 
lands, and many questions requiring investigation 
and research in the preparation of many statements, 
to determine the correctness of the amounts in- 
volved in the transactions between the various 
parties. 

WISNER LAND COMPANY SETTLEMENT. 

During practically the same period of time cover- 
ing a number of years of effort, special effort had 
been made to adjust and settle the claims of the 
Wisner Land Company, 4 a corporation, that had 
purchased a number of the outstanding claims, and 

(1) Mins. U. S. Court Pensacola. 

(2) Vol. 6, Mins. of Trustees, pp. 128 and 162. 

(3) Vol. 6, Mins. of Trustees, pp. 142 and 146. 

(4) P. 149, Vol. 6, Mins. of Trustees. Dec. 17, 1907. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



57 



little headway had been made until about November, 
1907, when the matter was taken up through my 
office and the history of all of the land grant claims 
of the company, when the matter was taken up with 
much vigor, and a force of clerical assistants kept 
steadily at work on the problem, making research 
and tables to determine the status of the various 
claims, including the legal status thereof, there be- 
ing involved in the investigation land grants to the 
Florida Southern, the S. S. O. & G., the South Flor- 
ida and the J. T. & K. W. Bailways, aggregating 

572.270.84 acres, open claims, and 288,445 acres 
embraced in certificates issued by the Trustees of 
the Internal Improvement Fund in the years 1888- 
1889, in which it was agreed on behalf of the Trus- 
tees that they would deed the lands therein de- 
scribed when patented. 

The original demand was for deeds to one-half of 
the total, together with an adjustment of the claims 
of the company for indemnity lands aggregating 

436.663.85 acres, or a deed to 648,663.38 acres— 
which was declined, and further negotiations were 
pursued for a number of months, resulting in many 
plans of adjustment, each one being seriously con- 
sidered and much time devoted to working out the 
propositions to determine results, resulting in an 
adjustment and settlement to the following effect : 

That the Trustees of the Internal Improvement 
Fund 1 deed to the Wisner Land Company 66,336.26 
acres and pay the company $17,456.57, and in con- 
sideration therefor the Wisner Land Company con- 
veyed to the State School Board 288,455 acres con- 
tained in the certificates issued by former Trustees 
agreeing to convey by deed the lands therein de- 
scribed when patented, 572,207.84 acres of open 
grants made by the Legislature and indemnity cer- 
tificates or statements of land, aggregating 436, 
663.85 acres, requiring some forty deeds of convey- 
ances and bills of sale and assignments of claims to 
conclude the transfer of the various claims to titles. 

RESULTS. 

Besulting in the saving to the Fund of 1,230,990.53 
acres. These were the principal adjustments and 
settlements made during the Broward administra- 
tion. 

During Gov. Gilchrist's administration, a settle- 
ment of the Florida East Coast Railway Company, 
involving 1,072,000 acres of claims, was made for 
a nominal consideration. As heretofore pointed out, 
this was one of the claims that was determined by 
the test suit in Pensacola and had no vitality of 
status left. It is agreed that it was a good thing 
to have it formally cancelled, but as I understand 
the situation, it was not the 1,072,000 land grant 
claim that was insisted upon by the railroad. 

ALTERNATE SECTIONS. 

The suit that was brought by the railroad com- 
pany was primarily against the Florida Coast Line 
Canal & Transportation Company, under entirely 
different law. The original Act of 1855 reserved 
within the law alternate sections lying within six 
miles of a constructed railroad, and therefore the 
Trustees did not have the title to such alternate 
sections to convey. The railroad was constructed 

(1) P. 220. Feb. 22, 1908. Vol. 6. Mins. of Trustees. 
8 — P. M. B. 



from Jacksonville to Key West, section by section, 
and as these sections of railroad were constructed, 
the alternate sections lying within six miles thereof 
became vested in the railroad company by means of 
the General Statutes. It appears that these lands 
had not been so conveyed to the railroad company, 
many of them having been deeded to the canal com- 
pany, contrary to law. The suit referred to was to 
require a conveyance of the lands heretofore erron- 
eously conveyed to the canal company and also to 
unconveyed lands within the six mile limit, it ap- 
pearing that the total aggregated several hundred 
thousand acres and was a meritorious claim, which 
the railroad, perhaps generously, did relinquish in 
consideration of the Trustees ^conveying to it about 
250,000 acres of land in the lower 'Glades, etc., in 
settlement. 

134,000 ACRE CERTIFICATE. 

In addition to these several claims, there was one 
other outstanding certificate of the Palatka & In- 
dian Biver Kailway Company for 134,400 acres, in 
which certificate it was agreed by the Trustees in 
the year 1888 that upon the lands therein described 
being patented, the said lands would be deeded to 
the railroad company. This certificate was after- 
wards transferred to two separate holders, repre- 
senting one-half each ; one interest representing one- 
half of said certificate, 67,200 acres, was settled 
through my office, and after a year of negotiations 
surrendered and transferred to the order of the 
Trustees for and in consideration of the sum of 
16,720.00 paid to the claimants. 

The adjustment for the remainder or other one- 
half covering 67,200 acres, was compromised, not 
through my office, by the Trustees executing and 
delivering a deed to the claimants for 67,200 acres 
in settlement thereof, which Governor Gilchrist 
states was "adjusted without counsel fees. A com- 
parison of the two transactions may be of some 
value to the future welfare of the Fund. 

FLORIDA COAST LINE CANAL AND TRANSPORTATION 
COMPANY. 

I have never been able to reconcile the proceed- 
ings and conveyance of lands to the Florida Coast 
Line Canal and Transportation Company under the 
Act of Congress (1850) which provided 1 that the 
lands of the Fund should be applied and used for 
drainage purposes under the Act of the Legislature 
creating the Trustees of the Internal Improvement 
Fund, and prescribing the powers and duties of the 
Trustees, their principal duty being the application 
of the swamp lands, either in kind or the proceeds 
arising from the sale thereof, to the purpose of 
drainage and reclamation, and the various special 
Acts of the Legislature to the Canal Company, hold- 
ing out inducements and conditional land grants for 
purposes other than prescribed by law, and as it ap- 
pears for an entirely different purpose, namely, that 
of commerce and navigation. 

COMMERCE AND NAVIGATION. 

I find no provision in the Act of Congress of 1850 
or the Act of the Legislature of 1855 granting lands 
or prescribing any duties in connection with com- 
merce and navigation. The only provisions I find 

(1) Act of Congress Sept. 28, 1850. 



58 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



relate to "drainage and reclamation." It must be 
assumed that a canal designed to extend from the 
waters of the St. Johns River through the Halifax 
River, Indian River, Matanzas River, Lake Worth 
and Biscayne Bay, and other inland waterways to 
Key West, practically within sight of the waters cf 
the ocean and parallel therewith, and only to be cut 
a depth of five (5) feet through the shoals, and its 
waters mingled with those of the briny deep, a dis- 
tance of only four hundred (400) miles, with few, 
if any, inlets from the land side and passing through 
a character of land along the shore where cuts were 
to be made with slight exception, not subject to rec- 
lamation by means of canals, are to be benefited 
thereby, was for transportation purposes and not 
for drainage. 

The Legislature from time to time 1 passed various 
Acts purporting to grant lands to the Canal Com- 
pany as its work progressed, 3,840 acres per mile 
for each section of six miles of canal and water 
ways, subject to certain progress being made within 
stated periods of time; and as the time of the ex- 
piration of each Act approached it appears that 
further Acts of the Legislature were passed extend- 
ing the time in which certain progress stated should 
be made. The practice seems to have been that 
when the Legislative grants were passed, they were 
promptly reported to the Trustees of the Internal 
Improvement Fund, in whom it was supposed the 
title was vested. It may have been an erroneous 
assumption, as later developments seem to make 
clear, in that the Revised Statutes have reserved 
and set aside the alternate sections 2 lying within 
the six-mile limit to railroads when constructed. 

POLICY OF THE TRUSTEES. 

A careful examination of the minutes of the 
Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund, how- 
ever, will disclose prior to 1905 that it had been 
the policy of the Trustees from the beginning of 
the enterprise in 1883 to limit their proposed land 
grants "for the mileage of dry land excavated," 
declining to agree to convey lands of the Fund for 
"open water-ways," such as the Indian River, Lake 
Worth, Matanzas, etc. This question was raised in 
the early correspondence 3 by the representatives of 
the Canal Company, but was faithfully adhered to 
on the part of the Trustees prior to 1905. Subse- 
quent to 1905 it appears that for and in considera- 
tion of some additional work from the Matanzas 
River to the waters of the St. Johns, additional 
lands were conveyed by the Trustees of the Internal 
Improvement Fund, the result being that more than 
a million acres of lands of the Internal Improve- 
ment Fund in the aggregate granted to the State 
for reclamation purposes, has been conveyed to the 
Canal Company, which appears is for transportation 
purposes. 

UNITED LAND COMPANY. 

Claim was presented on behalf of the United Land 
Company for conveyance to it of 347,753.02 acres 
granted under contract entered into by Hamilton 

(1) Chap. 5279 Laws of Fla. 
Chap. 4628 Laws of Florida. 

(2) Rev. Stats. Sect. 440. 

(3) Letter from Donald McMaster to Dr. John Westcott, 

dated Montreal, March 31, 1883, and accompanying 
documents. 



Disston & Company in 1881, and was referred to me 
ior examination and report. After reviewing all of 
the records and files in connection with the transac- 
tion, the contracts, papers and documents of great 
volume, including engineers' reports covering a long 
period of years, statements of account rendered from 
time to time, and progress of the work under the 
Disston contracts, the requirements of what was to 
be done under the Disston contracts by the Disston 
Company, I arrived at the firm conclusion that the 
company had forfeited all of its rights under the 
several contracts by utterly failing to comply with 
its covenants, it having failed to lower the waters 
in Lake Okeechobee, the Kissimmee River, its lakes 
and tributaries, which was the primal purpose and 
most important feature of the entire plan, which by 
the terms of the agreement the Disston Company 
was to do and perform before they would be entitled 
to lands therefor — and submitted as my findings 
that the company had received deeds for 1, 652,240. 9S 
acres, and from an examination of the contract 
based upon the estimates of the State Engineer's 
reports, that a maximum allowance of services ren- 
dered by the company as lands earned under ihe 
contract would be 813,168 acres, without holding the 
company to a strict accountability for results; that 
the company had already received deeds for 839,- 
078.98 acres in excess of what it had earned, and 
that the Trustees had previously in 1904 adopted a 
resolution referring to the issuance of deeds under 
such contracts and revoked and annulled all claims 
for the future. 

But, later it appears that a majority of the Trus- 
tees concluded that the Fund was in some measure 
obligated to the predecessor in title on account of 
previous transfers, and agreed upon a settlement 
involving the convevance to the United Land Com- 
pany of 69,834.61 acres of land. 

IN CONCLUSION. 

It is gratifying to note that the decision of the 
Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund in 1901 
and vigorously observed by them and sustained by 
the courts and followed and enforced by the Trus 
tees of subsequent administrations, has resulted in 
the adjustment and settlement of the maze envelop- 
ing the Internal Improvement Fund for so many 
years, which has been solved and cleared away. All 
of the land grants heretofore made have been either 
annulled by decisions of the courts, or settled by 
the Trustees since the decision reached by the Board 
in 1901 and the policy enforced subsequently, until 
the lands of the Internal Improvement Fund in 
hand are free from any claims or demands on be- 
half of any claimant ; and in the language of Buck- 
ingham Smith that the statesman whose exertions 
shall cause millions of acres now worse than worth- 
less, to teem with the products of agricultural in- 
dustry and "thus adds to the resources, and wealth, 
and independence of his country, who contributes 
by such means to the comfort of his fellowman, will 
merit a high place in public favor, not only with 
his own generation, but with posterity." 

And to those faithful officials who have served 

(1) "Vol. 5. p. 44-49-50 Min. of Trustees. 
Vol. 7 Min. of Trustees, p. 467. 

(2) See J. J. Daniels report. Also p. 24 U. S. Senate Docu- 

ment 86. 62 Congress. 1st Session. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



59 



as Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund in 
working out the numberless problems, have in my 
judgment, merited a high place in public favor, and 
have rendered to their State a distinguished service, 
unexcelled by the officials of any other State. 

For my own part I feel that to have been con- 
nected with the inception of a service and in the 
establishment of a policy so meritorious, that must 
be so eminently beneficial to my State, is a privilege 
of no mean consideration. 

STATE CAPITAL. 

An article on public lands would not seem to be 
complete without some mention of the location of 
the seat of government. By Act of Congress ap- 
proved May 24, 1824, 1 "One entire one-quarter sec- 
tion of land or fractional section not exceeding in 
quantity one quarter," was granted to the Territory 
of Florida for a seat of government, in that direc- 
tion to be located previously to the sale of adjacent 
lands under the authority of the Governor thereof. 
It may be mentioned in passing that no record could 
be found, or title to the public square, or lands 
whereon were situated the Capitol. This became the 
subject of special inquiry in 1902 2 and a complete 
file was prepared and obtained from the Department 
of the Interior and the General Land Office at my 
insistence, which included many interesting facts, 
concerning the title to the lands granted and the 
disposition thereof. It was learned from the De- 
partment of the Interior that this had been the sub- 
ject of some correspondence in 1879 to the effect that 
the Department had under date of July 9, 1824, in- 
structed Col. Robert Butelr to proceed without de- 
lay to the point selected as a seat of government 
of Florida, and cause the southeast corner of the 
one-quarter section selected by the Governor under 
the first section of the Act of*May 24, 1824, for the 
permanent seat of government, to be fixed as the 
point from which the principal meridian and princi- 
pal parallel shall run. 

THE HUB. 

The location was made by Governor George Wal- 
ton, February 16th, 1825, and from unofficial 
sources it was stated that the Surveyor General in 
fixing the point of beginning a meridian and base 
line from which all lands in Florida should be sur- 
veyed ; that there was buried several feet under the 
ground a wagon wheel, and through the hub thereof 
was driven an iron bar, thus establishing a monu- 
ment of the Tallahassee meridian and the Tallahas- 
see parallel or base line, from which monument 
Florida survey should be made. 

PINAL SELECTION AND LOCATION. 3 

The final selection and location of the seat of gov- 
ernment was as follows: 

The northeast quarter iNE 1 ^) of section one (1), 
township one (1), range one (1), south and west, 
selected by Lieutenant Governor Walton. 

4 

(1) Chap. 137 Vol. 4. U. S. Stats, at Large, p. 30. • 

(2) See report of Fred L. Robertson to the Governor dated 

Tallahassee, Feb. 25, 1902, published in the Legis- 
lative Journals with documents accompanying the 
Governor's message 1903. 
(.3 ) See documents report of Robertson 1902, accornpanying 
Governor's Message printed in Journals of 1903. 



PUBLIC SQUARES. 

These were among the title papers examined by 
me at the time concerning the public parks near the 
Capitol Square, near which the Temple of Justice is 
now situate and the other park being situate on the 
southeast corner of the Capitol ; and caused me to 
arrive at the conclusion and express the opinion at 
that time to the Legislature, in connection with my 
recommendation for the location of the Governor's 
Mansion, that these two public squares were and are 
the property of the State of Florida — since which 
time the opinion has been shared, based upon this 
information, and perhaps other, and the Temple of 
Justice now stands where I recommended that the 
Governor's Mansion should be erected in 1903. 

GENERAL LAFAYETTE. 

On June 1, 1825, Honorable John McKee, as agent, 
for General Lafayette, selected township one (1), 
range one (1) north and east, under Act of Con- 
gress, granting lands to General Lafayette, which 
covered a part of the area designated by the Gover- 
nor in his selection of lands for the purpose of a seat 
of government, and other lands were substituted in 
lieu thereof. The Registrar of the United States 
Land Office wrote under date of October 21, 1825, 
that the land reserved for and belonging to General 
Lafayette adjoined the town of Tallahassee and was 
within two or three hundred yards of the public 
square. 

HISTORICAL INSTANCES. 

A glance backward may be interesting, that the 
reader who has not taken the time to make the 
necessary research or may not have had the oppor- 
tunity of so doing, may have greater appreciation 
of the inconveniences and hardships that the pioneer 
experienced, compared with conditions of today, and 
by such comparison note the wonderful progress in 
all lines of the State's development and personal 
endeavor. 

TERRITORIAL COUNCIL. 

The Floridas were known as East and West Flor- 
ida. The first session of the Legislative Council of 
the Territory of Florida assembled at Pensacola, 
June 10, 1822, but owing to a storm and the great 
distance from the home of some of the delegates, 
there were but five members present, and the Coun- 
cil did not organize for business until July 19th. 
Soon after this organization yellow fever broke out 
and Dr. J. C. Bronough, President, and John Cop- 
pinger Connor, Clerk of the Council, died. The 
Council moved to Don Emanuel's place, fifteen miles 
north of Pensacola, where it continued its sessions 
until September 18, 1822. 

COUNTIES CREATED. 

This Council divided the Territory into four 1 4 | 
counties, namely : 

(1) Escambia, embracing all the territory west 
of the Chattahoochee River. 

(2) Jackson, embracing all the territory be- 
tween the Chattahoochee River and the Suwannee 
River. 

(3) Duval, all that territory north of a line 



60 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



drawn from the mouth of the Suwannee to the 
mouth of the St. Johns River. 

(4) St. Johns, embracing all the remainder of 
the Peninsula. 

TERRITORIAL COUNCIL ST. AUGUSTINE. 

The second session of the Council convened un- 
der call of Governor Duval in St. Augustine, in 
May, 1823. The Governor in his correspondence 
complained of the difficulties and dangers encoun- 
tered in transportation and delays of the records 
from Pensacola by wagon to St. Augustine, and the 
great expense and inconvenience of such migration. 
It is said that it took between four and five months 
to make the journey and a large crew of axmen to 
precede the wagons to make the trip possible. 

ACT TO ESTABLISH SEAT OP GOVERNMENT. 

As the result of Governor Duval's message, the 
Territorial Council at St. Augustine passed an Act 
approved June 24, 1823, providing for the appoint- 
ment by the Governor of two commissioners, one 
from each part of the Territory to meet at St. Marks 
October 1, 1823, and to proceed to exploit and ex- 
amine that section, and to select the most eligible 
and convenient situation for a seat of government 
for the Territory of Florida, and upon their report 
the Governor was authorized to decide on the loca- 
tion which will henceforth constitute the seat of 
government. Dr. W. H. Simmons, of St. Augustine, 
and Mr. John Lee Williams, were appointed com- 
missioners, and after about a month's investigation, 
being in the neighborhood of Tallahassee, the com- 
missioners resolved to take a view of the situation 
about Tallahassee, which had been represented as 
high, healthy and watered. Their report shows that 
when they approached Neamathla's settlement, his 
^^people appeared much disturbed by the visit of the 
commissioners and were inquisitive as to what ob- 
ject they had in view; the Indians were told that 
the commissioners came to search out a spot where 
the Governor and his Council could conveniently 
meet, and that the Indians would not in any way 
be interfered with. The Indians seemed, however, 



much disquieted, and sent off for an interpreter. 
They were dancing the smoke dance, a superstitious 
and stated festivity — its object being to lay the ser- 
pents before the Indians go out on their great hunt- 
ing expedition. The commissioners slept under the 
shed of the Council House and were disturbed a 
good part of the night following. Mr. Simmons 
states that he felt a melancholy interest in watching 
these last exhibitions of the amusements of these 
poor people who by the treaty were soon to quit the 
country. Neamathla told the commissioners they 
might proceed, but not to tell any of the Indians 
that he had sent them. The commissioners passed 
to the old Tallahassee town where Chifixico, chief 
of the settlement, evinced an equal opposition tft 
the commissioners proceeding. He angrily caught 
up a handful of dirt and presenting it, asked if that 
was not his land. He even mounted his horse and 
rode off to Neamathla to inquire further the object 
of the commissioners' visit. 

TERRITORIAL COUNCIL — TALLAHASSEE. 

So was Tallahassee selected as the seat of gov- 
ernment. Whereupon Governor Duval issued a proc- 
lamation on March 4, 1824, declaring Tallaahssee 
the seat of government. The Legislative Council 
began its session in November, 1824, in a small log 
house on the southeast corner of the present capitol 
square. 

FLORIDA. 

One can scarcely realize that the Florida of today 
is the Florida mentioned of less than a century ago. 

She now boasts a population of a million; in 
1830 she had less than ten thousand white men of 
the age of twenty-one years. No railroads then ; 
nearly six thousand miles now. A few hundred 
acres in cultivation then — upwards of a million 
now ; besides the millions of acres in products of 
the forest, fisheries, groves and mines ; with a credit 
unsurpassed, and some of the largest development 
projects in the world being successfully carried on, 
with a rapidly increasing growth and development 
in every line for the betterment of her citizenship. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



Pat Miuirphy's Poems 



TO THE EVERGLADES. 

The prettiest place that I have ever seen, 
With the humming birds and the evergreen, 
And the golden rod that never fades, 
Nods in the tropics of the Everglades. 

And all around those lovely isles, 
Where the red birds sing and beauty smiles, 
'Twas there I saw by chance a maid — 
The Indian girl of the Everglade. 

A warrior sang a song to me, 

As we sat at the foot of a cypress tree. 

He sang of the wars of long ago 

When they used the arrow and the bow. 

He showed me how they used to prance, 
In the madden maze of the green corn dance, 
As we sat in the cool sequestered shade 
In the sunny clime of the Everglade. 



SWEET ABE THE FLO WEES. 

Oh, sweet are the flowers that bloom in Carolina, 
And pure are the waters that kiss her green shore ; 

Sweeter and dearer, and sure that's no blarney, 
Is the dear little shamrock, the plant we adore. 

Now this is the day that we'll all wear the shamrock 
To honor the saint from the dear Emerald Isle ; 

So fill up your glasses, we'll drink to the lassies; 
They are the dear ones our hearts can beguile. 

The thistle lies withered when winter is snarling, 

The roses of England are not to be seen ; 
Down by the brookside where black thrones are 
growing 

You'll find our dear shamrock, they're sweet, 
fresh and green. 



LAKE WORTH. 

(Florida's Wandering Poet.) 

Through shady paths of morning glory, 
Where lovers tell their sweetest story; 
Through balmy air and fragrant bay 
I chanced to stroll one summer's day. 

Along the banks of sweet Lake Worth. 

The ripple and tide rose heaving strong; 
My heart was light, I sang this song, 
Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot?" 
It's years since I first saw this spot. 
My sweet Lake Worth. 

I love to feel your balmy breeze, 
And sit beneath your shady trees; 
No spot on earth is half so fair, 
Love and friendship await you there. 
My fair Lake Worth. 

The sun went down in yonder sky 
And bade the world a fond good-bye ; 
It leaves my heart in deep despair 
To know I cannot linger there, 
My dear Lake Worth. 



LEON COUNTY— TALLAHASSEE 
(By Request of Citizens of Tallahassee.) 

Fair Leon's hills are green with leaf, 

And fresh from fleeting rain; 
The sweet magnolias in their bloom 

And beauty deck the plain. 
The choir sings their hymns so sweet, 

The clergy leads in prayer; 
Peace on earth, good will to men, 

For God in ever there. 
And out in yonder graveyard, 

Beneath the bed of clay, 
The bodies lie, again to rise, 

The men who wore the grey. 



62 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 




SIDNEY JOHNSTON CATTS, 
Governor of Florida. 



Born near Pleasant Hill, Alabama, June 31, 1863, 
son of Samuel W. and Adeline R. Catts. His 
earliest paternal Ancestors were George W. Catts 
who came from Holland in 1760 and settled in 
Germantown, Pennsylvania. 

Capt. Samuel "W. Catts, father of the subject, was 
a planter and merchant at Pleasant Hill, Dallas 
County, Alabama, and became a very large land 
owner and was wealthy. 

Sidney Johnston Catts received his preliminary 
education in the private schools in Dallas County, 
Alabama ; went three years to the Agricultural and 
Mechanical College at Auburn, Alabama; attended 
also Howard College, Marion, Alabama, and was 
graduated in Lebanon, Tenn., Law School in 1882 
with the degree of LL. B., and practiced law in Dal- 
las County, Ala., and attended to his mother's plan- 
tation for three years. In 1886 he entered the Bap- 
tist Ministry for four years, was Pastor of a number 
of Country Churches in Dallas and Lownds Counties, 
Alabama, and married Miss Alice May Campbell. He 
moved to Ft. Deposit, Alabama, at the expiration of 
this time and was Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church 
for five years which he left to accept a call to the 
First Baptist Church, Tuskegee, Alabama, where he 
remained five years, subsequently returned to his 
charge at Ft. Deposit and remained five years. He 
resigned the Ft. Deposit Church in 1904 and in the 
year previous he Avas a candidate for Congress from 
the 5th Alabama district. When he resigned the 
pulpit in Ft. Deposit he moved to Dallas County, 
Alabama, where he entered into farming and mer- 
cantile ventures, while at intervals he preached to 
rural congregations. In 1911 he moved to DeFun- 
iak Springs, Fla., and was Pastor of the First Baptist 



Church for three years when he became the State 
Agent for a Fraternal Life Insurance Company and 
entered the race for Governor of Florida in 1914. He 
made some American issues in this race as follows : 
"Nothing in Florida above the Nation's flag; the 
red school house against the Parochial school; all 
closed institutions in Florida to be opened by process 
of laAV and America for Americans first, last and for- 
ever. " 

The politicians of the State sought to draw him out 
of the Democratic party by a set of resolutions 
known by the name of the author, who Avas Mr. Stur- 
key. These resolutions sought to put out of the 
Democratic party every one who would be influenced 
by the religion of any candidate or secret political 
affiliation to be AA'eighed in the balance for or 
against them. 

In 1916 the State canvassing board gave to him a 
certificate of nomination for Governor of Florida by 
the Democratic party as a result of the June pri- 
maries and in the folloAring November, over the pro- 
test of all party politicians, court house rings, the 
Supreme Court decisions and every knoAvn political 
agent and devise in Florida he was elected by a ma- 
jority of practically ten thousand, from the Prohibi- 
tionists and Democrats. 

In discussing some of the unusual aspects of his 
success in the primaries a Florida neAvspaper said 
editorially: "The successful candidate Avas an en- 
tire stranger to the people of Florida Avhen he an- 
nounced his candidacy. His first announcements 
Avere greeted Avith derision — as a political joke. It 
is doubtful if there Avere more than a dozen citizens 
of Florida who entertained the slightest idea that 
he had a possible chance. Yet he defeated four of 
the strongest and best knoAvn men in the State. He 
had against him not only these four men and their 
folloAving, but practically the solid liquor influence, 




office-holding influence, Catholic influence, and the 
state press. He made the race practically without a 
campaign fund. Throughout the campaign he bold- 
ly denounced from the stump certain things which no 
candidate for office in Florida had ever dared to an- 
nounce, pursuing a campaign policy AAdiich had al- 
Avays theretofore been considered equivalent to po- 
litical suicide. Yet this man, a neAv comer, virtually 
a stranger, with no record of public performance to 
stand upon, with no part in the history of the State, 
political, commercial or otherwise, has been chosen 
as its next Governor. His friends Avere concerned 
for his personal safety, and within the State and 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



63 



without they warned him of the possibility of assas- 
ination. His fight for the Democratic nomination 
was made with the support of the Guardians of Lib- 
erty and a large number of Prohibitionists. It cost 
him to make the race less than half as much as any 
of his opponents spent." 

As Governor he advocates: "Prohibition, Federal 
Aid Road Act, Inheritance Tax, State Tax Commis- 
sion, Vocational Education, Change in Election 
Laws, simplifying the same, Taxation of Church 
property with the exception of the Church and Pas- 
tor's home and land on which they stand, opening 
closed institutions, same school license for public, 
private and denominational school teachers, Drain- 
age of Everglades, Increased Pensions for old Sol- 
diers, Seminole Reservation, a Flag Law for the 
State, Benefit Tax on right to hold large bodies of 
land, Bank Guarantee Fund, Laws favoring federa- 
tion of Labor, Better Shipping Facilities for the Pro- 
ducer, Gross Tax Receipts on corporations, Lowering 
legal rate of interest and a new provision in the his- 
tory of the world whereby a new office is created for 
the help of the prisoner known by the name of ' ' The 
Friend of the Convicts, " whose duty it shall be to re- 
main in prison, come in contact with the convicts, 
learn their stories of sorrow, desolateness and woe, 
form a fiduciary relation with these people to such a 
degree that this man shall in virtue take their part 
as an advocate even as the Son of Man came to earth 
and took the part of a lost and ruined world. 

Sidney Johnston Catts is a member of the Masonic 
order, the Woodmen of the World, The Junior Order 
of American Mechanics, Knights of Pythias and the 
Guardians of Liberty. He is also a Minister of the 
Missionary Baptist Church, in good standing with 
the local church at Tallahassee, Florida. He is also 
a member of the Farmers organizations of every kind 




and a deep sympathizer with the Federated societies 
of Labor. He finds his chief recreation in getting 
up at day-light, working his garden and is an omni- 
vorous reader, having read possibly all of the litera- 
ture that is current in the libraries of the State and 
all private libraries at his disposal ; reading some- 
times on a dead stretch of eight and ten hours, lying 
at length upon a couch with one -arm over his head 
and the other holding a book and absorbing the con- 
tents thereof. He seems to be a leader of men and is 
fearless in what he thinks is right and also is equally 
fearless in advocating his denunciations of wrong. 
He is abrupt, abstruce in his manner and hard to 
make friends with but when once his friend he never 
deserts those who are thus tied to him. He was mar- 
ried at the age of twenty-three at Montgomery, Ala- 
bama, to Miss Alice May Campbell of that city who 
was a daughter of Marcus B. Campbell and Alice 
May Campbell. These two parents of his wife being 
full blooded Scotch and coming from the stock of 
Lord Colin Campbell. 

Sidney Johnston Catts from his maternal parent- 
age is of Irish decent, his mother being Adeline R. 
Smyley, whose parents came from Caric Tergus, Ire- 
land, and settled in Edgefield District, S. C, before 
the war of the Revolution. 

Capt. John Smyley, his maternal great-grand 
father was a Commander of troops in the State of 
South Carolina during the Revolutionary War. On 
his father's side he is in direct lineal decent from 
Jacob Catts, the Dutch poet of Holland, who is rec- 
ognized as the Shakespeare of Holland and who Avent 
£o the court of St. James as a Minister plenipotenti- 
ary to plead against Catholic persecutions over the 
Holland Dutch reform protestants. 

Sidney Johnston Catts is now in office in Tallahas- 
see, is the father of six living children and two dead. 




J. V. BURKE. 



Was bom September 5, 1855, in Calhoun County, 
Florida, and removed to Marianna, Jackson County, 
in 1876. He was married in May, 1878, to Miss Luel- 
la T. Russ, only daughter of Joseph T. Russ. The 
happy union resulted in four children — two boys and 
two girls. In 1884 he moved to Levy county, en- 
gaging in real estate and newspaper work — until 
1890, when he engaged in mining, removing to Ocala, 
and residing there until 1902, when he removed to 
Jacksonville, engaging in the real estate and lumber 
business. Mr. Burke never took an active interest in 
politics until 1915. When the patriotic movement in 
the State was launched, being active in the work, the 
handling of the campaign gravitated toward him un- 
sought. The campaign, on account of the principles 
advocated, the forcible character of the candidate, 
and the patriotic help given by the voters, having 
terminated successfully, in recognition of the ser- 
vices rendered, Governor Catts insisted that he ac- 
cept the position of Secretary to the Governor, 
which he did at the beginning of the term of the 
present administration. 



64 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917 



HON. H. CLAY CRAWFORD. 



H. Clay Crawford, twelfth Secretary of State since 
the admission of Florida into the Union, was reared 
on the ' ' Old Plantation ' ' near Crawf ordville, in Wa- 
kulla County, Florida. He was married February 
22, 1881, to Anna Moring, of Crawfordville, and for 
several years thereafter was engaged in the mer- 
cantile business. 

He is ex-officio State Librarian, Custodian of the 
Capitol building and grounds, and a member of the 
Board of Commissioners of State Institutions, the 




Pardoning Board, the State Board of Education and 
the State Canvassing Board. He is also custodian of 
the Great Seal of the State and State Records. He 
also has supervision of the compilation and publica- 
tion of the Legislative Acts, and of all matters relat- 
ing to corporations chartered by the State. 

Mr. Crawford was elected to the Florida Legisla- 
ture from Wakulla County in 1887. 

In January 1889, Mr. Crawford accepted a clerk- 
ship in the office of the Secretary of State, which po- 
sition he held continuously until the death of his 
father in January, 1902, when Governor Jennings 
appointed him, without his making application for 



the position, to succeed his father, which appoint- 
ment extended only until the next general election, 
and in the Primary of 1902, he was elected without 
opposition. In the campaign of 1904, he was op- 
posed for re-election by two ex-State Senators. In 
the first Primary he failed by only a few votes of 
securing a majority over both opponents, and was 
forced to go into a second primary, in which he was 
elected by a majority of more than five thousand 
votes. In the Primaries of 1908 and 1912 he was 
elected without opposition. In the Primary of 1916, 
he was opposed by the Honorable Adrian P. Jordan, 
of DeSoto County, and after a six week's campaign, 




going into every county, Mr. Crawford carried for- 
ty-nine out of the fifty -two counties in the State, and 
was elected by a majority of nearly twenty-five thou- 
sand votes. 

Mr. Crawford is past Grand Chancellor of the 
Knights of Pythias, and takes a great interest in the 
order. 

His wife died in September, 1908. He has six chil- 
dren: William Bloxham, a prominent lawyer of 
Kissimmee ; John T. G., a successful attorney and 
national committeeman of Jacksonville ; and Gene- 
vieve, Gladys, Henry Clay, Jr., and George Gwynn. 




H. CLAY CRAWFORD, 
Secretary of State. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



65 



HON. THOMAS F. WEST. 



Hon. Thomas F. West, Attorney General for the 
State of Florida, was horn and reared in Santa Rosa 
County, Florida, and attended the public schools of 
the county. He also attended the State school at De- 
Funiak Springs, and the law department of Wash- 
ington and Lee University, of Lexington, Virginia. 



from the first district of Florida in 1904 and served 
as a member in the regular sessions of 1905 and 1907. 
He was appointed by the Governor and served as a 
member of the commission to revise and consolidate 
the public statutes of the State of Florida, preparing 
the General Statutes of 1906. He was again elected 
and served as a member of the House of Representa- 
tives in the regular session of 1911. In the Demo- 
cratic primaries of 1912 be was nominated without 




He married Miss Alma Chaff in, of Milton, Florida, 
and has three children, Franklin, Josephine and Al- 
ma West. 

Since 1900 he has been practicing law in the State 
and Federal Courts. 

In 1902 he was elected a member of the House of 
Representatives of Florida Legislature and served as 
a member of the House in the regular session of 
1903. He was elected a member of the State Senate 



opposition and elected in the general election of that 
year to the office of Attorney General of the State 
of Florida. On Sept. 1, 1917, having resigned as 
Attorney-General, Mr. West was appointed a 
Justice of the Supreme Court to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by Justice Shackleford's resignation. 

In the primary election of June 6, 1916, he was 
nominated without opposition to the office of Attor- 
ney General. 



9— P. M. B. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 




HON. ERNEST AMOS, 
Comptroller. 

Ernest Amos was born and reared in Santa Rosa county ; educated at the 
common schools of his native town of Milton; studied law in the office of 
State Senator Perrenot, and actively engaged in the practice of his profession 
in his home town until his appointment as State Auditor in February, 1904. 
He has always taken an active interest in politics and has several times been 
elected to minor offices by his home folks. February 8, 1905, he was married 
to Miss Elinor A. Potter, of Milton, and has one child, John Ernest, now ten 
years old. Having been State Auditor for more than twelve years, he 
brought to the office of Comptroller a thorough working knowledge of state 
and county affairs, and was not new to the many difficult questions to be 
solved by him in his new position of State Comptroller, to which he was elected 
by the people of the entire State. He was sworn in as State Comptroller on 
the second day of last January. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



67 



HON. JOHN C. LUNING. 



Hon. John C. Luning was born December 21st, 
1863, at Albany, Ga., and was educated in the public 
schools of that city. In February, 1881, he came to 
Florida and located in Leesburg. He engaged in the 
newspaper business there and later became interest- 
ed in fruit raising, manufacture of ice and at one 
time was owner of the water plant there. During 
this time he served as a member of the Board of 
county commissioners for a period of ten years and 
was also elected Mayor for two terms and served in 
these offices with a great deal of distinction. 

For efficiency in handling detailed matters he had 
gained a great deal of prominence and through the 
advice of friends he went to Tallahassee, Florida, in 



r 



1905 and was made chief clerk in the office of the 
Commissioner of Agriculture where he served for 
four years. He was then made Secretary of the In- 
ternal Improvement Fund and Board of Drainage 
Commissioners for two years. On February 1st, 1912, 
he was appointed Commissioner of Agriculture by 
Governor Gilchrist and about three weeks later, at 
the request of Governor Gilchrist, he resigned and 
was appointed State Treasurer. In the fall of that 
same year he was elected to the position of State 
Treasurer for four years beginning January 1st, 
1913. 

He married Miss Allie A. Adams December 21st, 
1884, at Leesburg, Florida. She was a daughter of 
Doctor and Mrs. Jasper Adams. The happy union 
resulted in two children, Doctor Henry M. Luning, 
who now is practicing medicine in Atlanta, and Ber- 



nard A. Luning, who lives with his parents at Tal- 
lahassee. 

Singular as it may seem, both appointments that 
Mr. Luning received, were solely voluntary actions 
of the Governor. He not being an applicant, nor, so 
far as known, any of his friends having solicited the 
appointments for him. Both appointments having 
been based solely upon merit. 

The wonderful detailed ability and power of con- 
centration together with his fitness to master the 
hard work and thoroughness that the position de- 
mands has made Mr. Luning stand out most promi- 
nently in his position. He has been of invaluable 
service to the State of Florida and it is commonly 
expressed that he has made a most painstaking and 
efficient official, being particularly noted for his 
close attention to the duties of the office of State 



IT 



J 

'I 



Treasurer, but has also devoted a great deal of 
thought, care and attention to the duties of the vari- 
ous state boards of which he is a member. 

He is a man of decided opinions and convictions 
and it is a common expression about Tallahassee and 
among people who have dealings with the state gov- 
ernment that "one can always tell where Luning 
stands on any proposition that comes before him, or 
any of the boards of which he is a member." For 
these reasons it is very probable that he will con- 
tinue to represent the State in the position of State 
Treasurer for many years to come. 

He was nominated to succeed himself as State 
Treasurer in the Primary of June 6th, 1916, having 
defeated his apponent by a decided majority, having 
received a majority vote in 39 counties in the State. 




HON. JOHN C. LUNING, 
State Treasurer. 



68 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



HON. WILLIAM ALLAN McRAE 



Hon. William Allan McRae, who is serving with 
ability and distinction as Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture of the State of Florida, is a man to whom suc- 
cess has come by reason of his own indefatigable and 
well directed efforts. He was born in Wakulla Coun- 
ty, Florida, July 22, 1870, and is a son of William 
and Rebecca (Allan) McRae, the former a native of 
North Carolina and the latter of South Carolina. The 
father engaged in farming all during his life and was 
prominent also in public affairs, serving from 1871 to 
1873 in the State Legislature. He died in 1874 and 
was survived by his wife one year. To their union 

i . n 



were born four children; Sarah Rebecca, Christian 
Ellen, William Allan, of this review ; and Leroy D. 

At sixteen years of age, he was employed at a saw- 
mill and he followed this work for two years. The 
year he was eighteen he secured a position as a farm 
laborer, saving all his year's salary of one hundred 
and thirty dollars except eleven dollars and forty 
cents. The next year he was employed as a bridge 
laborer on the L. & N. Railroad and as bridge watch- 
man at Escambia Bay. Having taken advantage of 
every opportunity for study he had prepared himself 
to enter the State Normal School at DeFuniak 
Springs, which he did in October, 1889, and in which 
institution he was a student for three years. He 
taught school during the summer months to earn 
money to pay his tuition. After finishing his Nor- 



mal School course he again turned his attention to 
sawmilling but after one year began teaching, a pro- 
fession in which he engaged for seven years. In 
November, 1900, he was elected superintendent of 
schools of Jackson County, a position he held for 
four years when he was elected Clerk of the Circuit 
Court. This position he held until the 12th of Feb- 
ruary, 1912, when he was appointed Commissioner of 
Agriculture by Governor Gilchrist. In November, 
1912, he was elected to the same position, which he 
has since filled in an efficient and creditable way. In 
taking charge of the Department Mr. McRae was 
actuated by an ambition to enlarge the scope and 
usefulness of its activities and is trying to bring to- 
gether all the forces in the State bearing on agricul- 



ture and also endeavors to maintain a well-organized 
and well-directed immigration bureau. 

On the 5th of August, 1908, Mr. McRae married 
Miss Virginia Parker, a native of Georgia, and they 
are the parents of three children; William Allan, Jr., 
and Roy and Ralph, twins. Mr. McRae is a devout 
member of the Methodist church and an active work- 
er in religious circles. He is connected fraternally 
with the Masonic order, the Elks, the Knights of 
Pythias and the Woodmen of the World, and his 
political allegiance is given to the democratic party. 
Aside from the public offices before mentioned he 
was a member of the city council of Sneads for three 
years and Marianna for four years, and his work in 
the public service has been at all times honorable in 
its purposes and beneficial in its results. 




HON. WILLIAM ALLAN McRAE 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



69 




HON. R, HUDSON BURR, 
Chairman Railroad Commission. 



HON. R. HUDSON BURR, 



R. Hudson Burr was born in the District of 
Columbia, June 8th, 1867. 

He moved to Florida with his father in 1876 and 
settled in Alachua County. 

He received his education under a private tutor 
and in the Public Schools of the State. 

In 1881 he moved with his father to Polk County. 

In 1895 was appointed Postmaster at Winter 
Haven, Polk County. 

In 1897 resigned and moved to Dade County, 
where he engaged in the mercantile business and 
truck farming, and served as Postmaster at Little 
River until he was elected a member of the Legis- 
lature in 1900. Served in the legislative session of 
1901. 

In 1902 he entered the campaign for State Rail- 
road Commissioner and was elected. Before his 
term of office begun he was appointed by the Gov- 
ernor to fill an unexpired term on the Railroad 
Commission from October 1st, 1902, to January, 
1903. Was re-elected Railroad Commissioner in 
1906 and chosen Chairman at its re-organization in 
January, 1907. Was again re-elected Commissioner 
in 1910 and re-elected Chairman. Again re-elected 
Commissioner in 1914 and again re-elected Chair- 
man, which position he now holds. 



As a member of the Railroad Commission he has 
taken a leading part in affairs of the National Asso- 
ciation of Railroad Commissioners, and as a mem- 
ber of that body, in 1904, introduced a resolution 
calling for an enlargement of the powers of the 
Interstate Commerce Commission, and on the adop- 
tion of the resolution was made Chairman of the 
Committee to urge the matter before Congress. Fol- 
lowing this action, three bills were introduced in 
Congress and a spirited fight was made; but no 
legislation was secured until the next session, when 
the continued agitation of the matter resulted in 
the passage of the "Hepburn Act," which clothed 
the Interstate Commerce Commission, for the first 
time with effective powers. He served as 2d Vice- 
President and 1st Vice-President, and in 1910 was 
elected President of the National Association of 
Railroad Commissioners, and declined to be re- 
elected in 1911. 

During President Cleveland's first administration 
he held a subordinate position in the United States 
Treasury Department at Washington, D. C, return- 
ing to Florida shortly after the inauguration of 
President Harrison. 

Has always been an advocate of progressive 
policies in government and business. 

In 1896 was married to Miss Shellie V. Clayton 
of Jefferson County, Florida. They have seven 
children, five boys and two girls. 



70 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



HON. NEWTON A. BLITCH. 



Newton A. Blitch was born in Marion County, 
Florida, October 12, 1844, and resided in that county 
until the western portion of that county was an- 
nexed to Levy County, and has resided in the latter 
county ever since. He was reared on the farm, and 
educated in the public schools of that day. He en- 
listed in the Confederate service in the year 1862 in 
Company C, Second Florida Regiment of Cavalry, 
and remained in the service until the end of the war, 
when he returned home and went to school for one 
term. 

Mr. Blitch was married in Levyville, Levy County, 
November 15, 1866, to Miss Henrietta Edwards, of 
Cedar Key. Seven children were born to them, five 
of whom are now living, all being married. 



Mr. Blitch engaged in farming and stock raising 
for many years, at which he made a marked success. 

Yielding to the importunities of his many friends 
and admirers in his home county, he permitted his 
tiame to be used as a candidate for Representative to 
the Legislature in 1883, and was unanimously elect- 
ed, being re-elected to the same position in 1887, 1889 
and 1891. In 1892 he was elected to the Senate, be- 
ing re-elected in 1896 and in 1900 without opposition. 

He made an enviable reputation as a lawmaker, 
and the people of his district confided implicitly in 
his sagacity and level-headedness. 

Mr. Blitch was appointed State Prison Inspector 
October 28, 1903, which position he held for three 
years. In this work, as in all other work he under- 
took, he did it to the best of his ability, to the best 



interest of the State and proved himself a friend to 
the prisoners who realized that in Inspector Blitch 
they had a friend and one who would see that they 
were well treated. 

In regard to Mr. Blitch 's work as Prison Inspector, 
the late Hon. B. E. McLin, Commissioner of Agricul- 
ture in his annual report said: 

"Not meaning to speak disparagingly of the other 
two Supervisors, for they are doing faithful, honest 
work, in my opinion, but Senator Blitch, having for 
so long a period had alone the responsibility of in- 
specting the camps, has attained a familiarity with 
the work that rendered him of much more value 
than any new man could possibly be, I care not what 
his ability might be. Hence the regret we feel in 
his loss to this department, the people of the State 
having chosen him to go up higher and take a broad- 
er field as one of the Railroad Commissioners. This 

ii 



j 



is but cumulative evidence that my conclusions are 
correct, when I state that he was one of the best 
equipped men for the place of Supervisor of any one 
I could name. The system will miss him; the two 
Supervisors will miss him, and the person who may 
yet be appointed to take his place will have to do 
some hard work and careful study to be able to meas- 
ure up to his standard." 

In 1906 Mr. Blitch entered the primary for Rail- 
road Commissioner of the State and was nominated 
by an overwhelming majority, which necessitated his 
resigning as Prison Inspector. 

In 1910 Mr. Blitch was re-nominated to succeed 
himself. In 1914 he was re-elected without oppo- 
sition and is still a member of the Commission. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 



71 



ROYAL C. DUNN. For several years he was a school teacher in Madi- 

son County, reading law in the meantime, and was 

admitted to the practice of law at Madison in 1899. 

In October of the same year he was married to Miss 
Royal C. Dunn the subject of this sketch was born Ida Hinely, of Madison, and edited the Madison 
at Beaufort, N. C, September 18th, 1875, and moved Recorder until 1901, when he was elected Secretary 
with his widowed mother and sister to Astatula in of the Florida Railroad Commission. He served in 
Lake County just following the big freeze in 1886. that capacity until 1909, when the Honorable John 




«ltlf 



HON. ROYAL C. DUNN 
Railroad Commissioner. 



Then followed a struggle for existence for severai 
years, the mother teaching school to support her 
family. Mr. Dunn's early education was received 
in the common schools of Lake County, working be- 
tween terms on the vegetable farms and orange 
groves. At the age of sixteen years he entered the 
Florida Agricultural College at Lake City and con- 
tinued his studies there for five years graduating in 
1896. 



L. Morgan, then a member of the Commission hav- 
ing announced that he Avould not be a candidate to 
succeed himself, Mr. Dunn became a candidate for 
the vacancy, and after a spirited campaign he was 
successful over three opponents. 

Mr. Dunn was re-elected as a member of the Rail- 
road Commission in 1912, and again in 1916, by large 
majority, and will begin serving his third term in 
January, 1917. 



72 * LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 




HON. J. S. BLITCH 



Tax Commissioner. 



HON. J. S. BLITCH 



Senator J. S. Bliteh was born April 18, 1871, at 
Montbrook, Florida, then known as Stafford's Pond, 
and has lived all his life within one mile of where 
he was born. He was educated in the public schools 
of the county. When only nineteen years of age Mr. 
Blitch married Miss Lula Sistrunk, a school mate. 
Mr. Blitch 's father and Miss Sistrunk 's father were 
among the early settlers of the neighborhood and the 
young people became fond of each other before they 
knew the meaning of love. They were married De- 
cember 23, 1890. They have one son, Clifford Blitch. 
Mr. Blitch has served eighteen years as a member of 
the county executive committee and four years as a 
member of the state committee. He was mayor of 
Montbrook for four years and helped to get a postof- 
fice established there, being appointed postmaster 
under the Cleveland administration. He is one of the 
trustees of the junior high school of Montbrook, 
which position he has held for six years. Mr. Blitch 
is counsul commander of the Woodmen of the World 
of Montbrook and guardian of the W. 0. W. Circle. 
He is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. 
Mr. Blitch engaged in the mercantile business at 
Montbrook for a number of years. When Messrs. 



Ambler & Taliaferro built their log road to that re- 
gion, soon selling it to the then F. R and N., now the 
Seaboard, Mr. Blitch was appointed agent, holding 
the position and running it in connection with his 
store for sixteen years. In 1910 he sold his store, re- 
signed as railroad agent and has since given all his 
time to farming and stock raising, having about 500 
acres in farm, a nice stock of cattle and a small hog 
ranch. He was elected to the state senate from the 
21st district in 1912. This is the first office Mr. 
Blitch has ever held in which there was any 
compensation. 

During Senator Blitch 's career at the legislature 
he has accomplished a great deal for his district and 
state. He took prominent part in moral questions. 
He was a most forceful speaker in behalf of state- 
wide prohibition. He was very active in committee 
work. His broad knowledge of the 21st district con- 
ditions was of great value to others on his commit- 
tees as well as to the State of Florida. His influence 
was far reaching and always for the uplift of man- 
kind. He was elected head consul of the W. O. W. 
of Florida at the Head Camp Convention held at 
Lakeland, Fla., March 10, 11 and 12, 1915. 

Mr. Blitch was appointed a member of the State 
Tax Commission by Governor Catts in 1917, and is 
a valued member of that body. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



73 





ROBERT J. PATERSON. 
Tax Commissioner. 



Was born in Thomas County, Georgia, July 13th, 
1864. Moved to Madison County, Florida, in 1866, 
and spent his boyhood and young manhood there, 
and Madison County is still his home. At the age 
of 30, he was elected Tax Assessor of that county, 
serving in that capacity for nineteen years having 
been elected for ten consecutive terms to that office. 
Upon his appointment as a Member of the State Tax 
Commission, in 1913, he moved to Tallahassee, Flor- 
ida, to accept that position, which position he now 
holds. Mr. Paterson is a strong believer in "tax 
equalization," and hopes to, eventually, be able to 
see taxes equalized in Florida. 

(Editor's Note). — Mr. Paterson has done more 
than any one man, or, (for that matter), any aggre- 
gation of men, to equalize taxes in this, his State of 
adoption. 



HON. JOHN BEVERLY CHRISTIAN 
Adjutant General. 



Adjutant General John Beverly Christian, born in 
the town of Camden, Wilcox County, Alabama, in 
1859. Appointed as Adjutant General of the State 
of Florida, January 10th, 1917. General Christian 
married Miss Mary Jane McCants, Tinela, Monroe 
County, Alabama, April 27th, 1887. Gen. Christian 
attended the high school of his home town, after 
graduation entered the A. & M. College, Auburn, 
Alabama, during 1879 and 1880. Gen. Christian 
was a member of the Wilcox Greys, thereafter he 
became a member of the Wilcox Mounted Rifles, a 
cavalry company of that place. 





10— P. M. B. 



74 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 





SENATOR J. B. JOHNSON. 



Senator J. B. Johnson was born October 15, 1868, 
on a farm just out from the town of Live Oak. Now 
living on the same place just in the limits of the city 
of Live Oak. Worked on the farm until 21 years of 
age. Learned something of the three R's at home 
and in local schools. Outside of a few months' 
schooling, education is self -acquired. Read law in the 
office and under John P. White, judge of third judi- 
cial circuit court, in Live Oak, and was admitted to 
the bar in May, 1893. Was elected Mayor of Live 
Oak in 1897 and served one term. In 1898, at the 
outbreak of the Spanish-American Avar, sold his law 
library and joined the Live Oak company of state 
militia, volunteering as a private. At Tampa was 
turned down by the examing board on account of a 
crippled left shoulder. Refused to be turned down 
and was mustered in with the company. Was sworn 
in again later by special permission from Washing- 
ton. Was mustered out as first sergeant Company L, 
Florida Volunteers. After returning from the army 
was elected and served as mayor of Live Oak for 
three or four terms. 

Was married on October 14, 1903, to Miss Mary 
Wagner, of Mountain City, Tenn., granddaughter of 
Judge John F. White. Was elected state senator 



for the seventeenth district on May 2, 1907, to fill un- 
expired term of J. R. Newlan, deceased. Was re- 
elected state senator in 1908 and 1912. Politically 
is he just a plain Democrat. He believes in every 
fellow getting just what is coming to him, whether 
he be big or little, old or young, white or black, rich 
or poor. 

During the legislative session of 1915 h e took a 
very active part. His speech upon the floor of the 
senate against state-wide prohibition was one of the 
most forceful and logical in character ever heard in 
that law-making chamber. It will live in memory 
and be commented upon for a great many years to 
come. His views were especially pronounced and no 
one could ever doubt as to where he stood on all 
measures. He was noted for his broad-mindedness 
and fairness on all questions. He was prominently 
mentioned as a candidate for Governor, but refused 
to accept the honor. His political career has been 
not only brilliant, but a successful one and it is be- 
lieved by many that the State of Florida shall some 
day be benefitted by his agreeing to serve it in some 
big elective office. 

At the request of many supporters and friends of 
Senator Johnson, who like his principles and advo- 
cate them, the author of this book was asked to pub- 
lish this data, which was complied with and issued 
without the solicitation of the subject of this sketch. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



75 



CHAELES A. FINLEY. 
Secretary of the Senate. 



Charles A. Finley was born in Marianna, Jackson 
County, Florida, April 22, 1849. He was twelve 
years of age when the Civil War broke out ,but the 
male portion of the school he attended was formed 
into a company for the safe-guarding of the terri- 
tory with the principal of the school as captain. 
This company was as well trained as the regular 
troops and saw service in the western section of the 
State. After the war closed he moved with his 
father and mother (General and Mrs. J. J. Finley), 
to Lake City, Columbia County, Florida, of which 
place and county he is now a citizen. His father 
having purchased a tract of land three miles west of 
Lake City, young Finley went to it, cleared an acre 
for the large home to be built and a twenty-acre 
field, rented more land and struck out as a far- 
mer and market gardener, and planted a vineyard 



of twenty acres of scuppernong grapes for his father 
which in after years became noted for its product. 
He introduced the planting and shipping of vege- 
tables to the northern markets into his county. In 
1874 he purchased the Lake City Reporter to prevent 
it from being converted into a "carpetbag" journal, 
and for seventeen years gave his attention to the 
building up of the paper, and succeeded in the en- 
terprise. He represented his county in the Assem- 
bly Hall of the Legislature in 1879 ; was made State 
Printer for the succeeding two years ; became secre- 
tary of the Senate at the session of 1877 and served 
in that capacity that session, the two sessions of 
1889, of 1891 and 1893, in which year he accepted a 
position in a business capacity with the Florida Ag- 
ricultural College for the ensuing 13 years. Re-en- 
tered the service of secretary of the Senate in 1907, 
serving that session and continuously since. He 
is termed the Nestor of the "old guard" of the Leg- 
is" ative employees composed of Honorables Nat 
Walker, T. J. Appleyard, Sr., Columbus B. Smith, 
Ben L. Blackburn and John G. Kellum. 




SENATOR FOG ARTY. 



Dr. Fogarty was elected to the Florida State Sen- 
ate from the 24th Senatorial District in November, 
1914. The session of the Legislature of 1915 very 
quickly recognized his ability, sincerity of purpose, 
integrity and ripe judgment. The session of 1917 
has recognized the forceful, logical man. There is a 
bright future in Florida's political life for this well 
balanced son of hers. 

Dr. Fogarty lives in Key West, and has served 
several terms as mayor of that city. 




) 



76 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR HERBERT JACKSON DRANE. 



Senator Herbert Jackson Drane was born June 20, 
1863, in Franklin, Simpson County, Kentucky. 

His father was a captain in the Confederate army. 
His son was educated in the common schools of 
Franklin, Simpson County, Taylorsville, in Spencer 
County, Bloomfield, in Nelson County, and in the 
city of Louisville. He came to Florida on a business 
mission in November, 1883, being at that time 20 
years of age. He left the train at the southmost 
point touched by rail, at that time, being the town of 
Kissimmee, and from that point walked to his rail- 
road contract, which he had previously secured, at a 
place called Wire Lake. It impressed him, at the 
time, in his youthful imagination, as being the most 
beautiful place for a home he had ever seen, and set- 
tled down, builded his home, married and ever since 
has resided there, which is now known as Lakeland. 

He is the pioneer living inhabitant of Lakeland, 
and has been identified with the growth and enter- 
prise of that little city since • the first houses were 
built. Through his enterprise the second brick 
building was constructed in Lakeland. 

He has served a number of terms as city clerk and 
treasurer and afterwards mayor for as long a term 
of years as he would. The first permanent move 
was made toward a park system in Lakeland, the 
beautiful oak trees now in and surrounding the city 
park being secured through his official influence. 

Twenty-six years ago he was elected engrossing 



clerk of the House of Representatives of Florida, and 
held that office for a number of years, retiring of his 
own accord. He was selected, in 1902 and served as 
one of the commissioners in the rebuilding of the 
Capitol at Tallahassee. In 1903 he was a member of 
the house of representatives. In 1913, when he was 
elected state senator from the seventh district, he was 
elected president of the senate in the legislature of 
1913, and was generally conceded to have made a fine 
record for fairness, impartiality, saneness in legisla- 
tion and a rapid dispatch of business. Even those 
who opposed him politically, were glad to accord him 
this credit. 

He was a candidate in the Democratic primary 
against Hon. S. M. Sparkman in the First Congress- 
ional District and carried eight counties out of the 
eleven in the District. The counties he carried were 
Lee, DeSoto, Polk, Manatee, Pasco, Hernando, Sum- 
ter and Citrus. His majority in ballots was 1,361. 
He was then in the general election in November of 
1916, the candidates being Hon. Henry W. Bishop, 
Republican; Mr. Frank L. Sullivan, Socialist and 
himself. His majority was so large that he never 
knew just what it was; it was too large to count. 
He became a member of the 65th Congress on the 
4th of March, 1917. 

Senator Drane presided at the convening of the 
Senate in 1915. He was not a candidate for re- 
election. He has a very thorough knowledge of the 
State of Florida and an intensely minute knowledge 
of that portion of Florida known as South Florida, 
or the First Congressional District. 

For many years he has been an orange grower, 
and has always interested himself greatly in the 
pursuit of horticulture. This is generally under- 
stood in all orange-growing organizations of the 
State. Many times he has acted in behalf of the 
orange growers and fanners, being for several terms 
one of the directors of the Florida Citrus Exchange, 
retiring of his own accord, and also One of the orig- 
inal executive committee of the Florida Growers' 
and Shippers' League. 

Mr. Drane also established an insurance business 
in Lakeland, which is now one of the old-established 
offices of the State, having been established in 1884, 
and being still in his management and ownership. 
He drafted many of the insurance laws now on the 
statute books of the State, and under his recommen- 
dation and advice many of the modern appliances 
for the protection of life and property against fire 
were installed in the public buildings belonging to 
the State. 

In politics he has always been a Democrat, and 
by secret society affiliation he belongs to all the 
Masonic bodies, the Odd Fellows, Elks, Woodmen 
of the World and Knights of Pythias. 

At the general election held in 1916 Mr. Drane 
was elected to Congress from the First Congres- 
sional District, succeeding Hon. S. M. Sparkman. 
He has been appointed on some of the most import- 
ant committees in the national House of Represen- 
tatives, and is winning an enviable reputation for 
himself and the great State of Florida. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



77 




SENATOR ION LOWNDES FARRIS. 



Ion Lowndes Farris was born in Savannah, Ga., 
September 14, 1878, of South Carolina parentage. 
When seven years of age he was brought by his 
parents to Marion County, Florida, where he was 
reared, attending the public schools of Marion 
until sixteen years old. 

Like many men who have become America's fore- 
most statesmen, Mr. Farris was not permitted to 
finish a high school training course, but just prior 
to his graduation in the Ocala high school, was 
compelled to leave school to begin work and earn 
his livelihood. His first job was that of helpar to 
his father as a boiler maker, during which time he 
studied stenography at night and a year later en- 
tered a law office, supporting himself while reading 
law. At the age of 21 he was admitted to practice 
in the State courts, moving to Jacksonville to open 
an office, where he has since remained. 

In January. 1901, true to his boyhood sweetheart, 
he was married to Miss Allie Mae Liddell, of 
Marion County. To this union has been added three 
bright young boys, Ion Lowndes, Jr., 13 years; 
James Liddell. age 11 ; and Bryan, aged 7, named 
after the late United States Senator, William James 
Bryan, whose close personal friendship and political 
relations with the subject of this sketch has made 
for Mr. Farris many friends. 

Senator Farris began his public and political 
career as a follower of the late Napoleon B. 
Broward, for whom he stumped the State of Florida 
during every campaign in which Mr. Broward was 
a candidate. Having been elected to the lower house 
of the legislature from Duval County in 1907, Mr. 
Farris became the Broward floor leader, and actively 
participated in the enactment of the legislation that 
resulted in the beginning of the colossal Everglades 
drainage project, which alone has done more to put 
Florida among the leading States of the Union than 
any other one great undertaking. During his first 



year's service in the Legislature, Mr. Farris was 
tendered the judgeship of Duval criminal court of 
record by Governor Broward, but declined the office. 
Being re-elected in 1909 from Duval County, Mr. 
Farris became speaker when the Legislature con- 
vened, and being a member of that house in 1913 
was again the presiding officer, being selected with- 
out opposition, being one of few men who have 
served more than one term in the chair, as well as 
being the youngest man who ever held this position 
in the history of the State. 

When Judge R. M. Call resigned as judge of the 
fourth circuit in 1914, to accept the oflice of U. S. 
District Judge, Governor Park Trammell tendered 
Mr. Farris the fourth circuit judgeship, which he 
declined. In 1914 Mr. Farris was a candidate for 
U. S. Senator, in the event Mr. Bryan had been 
appointed to the U. S. Circuit bench, having received 
strongest endorsement of any of a number of promi- 
nent men who were aspirants for the position it 
Mr. Bryan resigned. In the 1914 election Mr. Farris 
was the choice of the Duval County voters as Sen- 
ator from the eighteenth district. On the floor of the 
Senate, this session, Mr. Farris has become a cham- 
pion of measures in the interest of the masses, 
rather opposing anything that smacks of special 
bills for the classes. An able orator, forceful worker, 
well versed from actual experience in matters of 
legislation, Senator Farris will make a formidable 
candidate for the governorship when he announces, 
as he will, no doubt, before the adjournment of the 
Legislature. 

Mr. Farris' private life is clean and he is known 
as a devoted husband and father. It was generally 
conceded that he would have been a successful can- 
didate for Congress in the fourth district last year, 
but he declined to enter the race in order to finish 
his career in the legislative halls of the State, which 
will have lasted ten years when he finishes his 
present term. 

It is such men as Ion Lowndes Farris that make 
a State grow and its people prosper. 



78 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR G. W. CRAWFORD. 



Senator G. W. Crawford, of the 19th Senatorial 
District of Florida, legislative session 1917, is of 
Revolutionary stock. His great-grandfather on his 
mother's side, was Colonel William Snodgrass, who 
commanded a regiment at King's Mountain during 
the Revolution. Senator Crawford recalls seeing 
his great-grandfather at the home of the Crawford 
family in East Tennessee as well as he remembers 
also quite a number of the private Revolutionary 
soldiers who lived by themselves in the imulediate 
neighborhood. Senator Crawford's father was the 
Rev. James Young Crawford. His mother was Mary, 
daughter of Rev. George White, all of Hawkins 
County, East Tennessee. 

Hon. G. White Crawford was born near Rogers 
ville, East Tennessee, on the 13th of June, 1840. He 
served with distinction in the Confederate Army. 
Mr. Crawford joined the Fifth Tennessee Regiment 
at Union City on the 20th of August, 1861. Went 
on the famous Kentucky campaign under General 
Braxton Bragg, and fought his first battle at Perry - 
ville, Ky., using a heavy Belgian musket, firing 



eighty rounds. Two of his comrades fell dead on 
his right and left. 

Mr. Crawford was elected one of the lieutenants 
of the consolidated companies, Capt. James Dumas 
and Capt. Wain Caldwell. On the return of Bragg's 
army to Chattanooga, Tenn., after the war, he en- 
gaged in farming in Henry County, West Tennes- 
see, for two or three years. Later he was employed 
by Mr. Harris Lovelace as chief salesman in his 
dry goods and grocery store. He served with Mr. 
Ed Rogers in the same capacity the last year he re- 
mained in Como, Tenn. 

Mr. Crawford came from Como, Tenn., in the year 
1873 to Conway, Orange County, Florida, and en- 
gaged in farming, orange growing and stock raising, 
On the 9th of July, 1876, he was married to Miss 
Sarah Cornelia Mizell, youngest daughter of the late 
David and Mary C. Mizell, of Orange County, Flor- 
ida. By this marriage five children have been raised 
to man and womanhood, to-wit: two sons and three 
daughters. 

Mr. Crawford was elected one of Orange County's 
representatives in 1901; he was re-elected in 1903, 
1905, and 1907. His name came before the voters 
of the 19th Senatorial District in the late primary, 
and he Avas successful. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



79 



SEX. OSCAR MOAB EAT OX. 



Oscar Moab Eaton was born in 
Albany, Dougherty County, 
Georgia, March 24. 1875, and was 
the fourth child of a f aniily of two 
girls and six boys. His parents 
moved to ThornasviHe when he 
was a small child and from there, 
in 1886, to Fort White, Florida, 
and in 1887, to Lake City, where 
he spent most, of his youth. He 
attended the public schools and 
spent one year in the Florida 
(State) Agricultural College, 
earning the money used for this 
purpose. 

He was always industrious and 
of a business turn, independent 
and making his own way. He has 
followed about every degree of 
railroading from news "* butcher" 
to train master, but preferred his 
position as conductor, as it was 
less confining. He has been an em- 
ployee of the Atlantic Coast Line 
Kailroad since 1900 and stands 
high in the service. He has the 
interest of the employees at heart, 
being a very active member of the 
Order of Bailway Conductors, but 
also believes justice should be 
shown to corporations as well. He 
is also an Elk and a 32nd Degree 
Mason. 

He is a warm supporter of woman's suffrage, and 
for the past two years he has been a member of the 
State Democratic Committee from Polk County. 

He was married October 19. 1898. to Miss Lucie 
Friebele Bulloch, of Bartow. Florida, much better 
known as Miss "Chic." Her father, Alfred James 
Bulloch, was a descendant of the Bulloch family 
of Roswell, Georgia. Her mother was Miss Mary 
McAulay of Thomasville. Georgia, who came to 
Florida in 1856. and has lived here continuously 
since that time to the ripe age of eighty-three. They 
have one son, a bright lad of fourteen years, Oscar 
Hardin Eaton. 

Senator Eaton's father was Benjamin Franklin 
Eaton, born in Georgia, March 4. 1841. and. later, 
a member of the 12th Georgia Regiment in the War 
of Secession. He served all through the war and 
surrendered with Lee at Appainatox. His great- 
grandfather was John Eaton, once governor of Flor- 




son"s administration in 1829. His mother, who is 
still living, was Miss Avalo Cox, born in Vienna, 
Dooley County, Georgia. December 23, 1848, and 
was the daughter of a wealthy planter. 

Senator Eaton has served Lakeland well. From 
January. 1908. to January. 1913. he was a member 
of the city council, being president of that body in 
1910 and 1911. In 1912 he was elected mayor and in 
1913 he was re-elected mayor for two years under a 
commission form of government, which included 
also the office of president of the board of commis- 
sioners. 

Senator Eaton stands for progressiveness in its 
approved form. He thinks nothing is too good for 
Lakeland or for Folrida. He numbers his friends 
by his acquaintances, and is generous almost to a 
fault. He lives above the small things and petty 
meannesses of life and ignores small spites and local 
prejudices. 



ida. 



and secretary of war during President Jack- 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR M. L. PLYMPTON. 



Senator M. L. Plympton was born in Lake City in 
1871. He was educated at the University of Flor- 
ida, then in Lake City, now at Gainesville. Mr. 
Plympton has never married. He has been prom- 
inent in public affairs, having for ten years been a 
member of the Lake City city council, for eight years 
of that time being president of the council, which 
position he still holds. He has been secretary of 
the Columbia County Democratic Committee for ten 
years, and for five years a member of the local board 
of bond trustees. Mr. Plympton is a successful mer- 
chant, having been engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness in Lake City for the last sixteen years. He was 
a very highly esteemed representative in the Senate. 
He was chairman of the Corporation Committee, 
covering fully thirty insurance bills. He was an im- 
portant member of the Public Health, Game and 
Fisheries, Municipalities, Organized Labor and Min- 
ing and Mineral Committees, and took active inter- 
est in ferreting out the merits and demerits of those 
committees. He was sincere in his efforts to obtain 
clean and just legislation for his district and the 
State of Florida. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 




SENATOR JOHN BYRNE JONES 



Senator John Byrne Jones was born October 18, 
1865, in Escambia County, Florida ; parents were 
Charles W. and Maty Ada Jones. His father was 
United States Senator from Florida from 1875 to 
1887. Married Lillie P. Haydel, daughter of Francis 
L. and Mary B. Haydel, of St. Louis, Mo., January 
25, 1894. Educated at public and private schools in 
Pensacola and at Georgetown University, Washing- 
ton, D. C, graduating from the law department of 
the university, receiving the degree of LL. B., in 
June, 1888; admitted to the bar in January, 1889, 
and has since continuously practiced at Pensacola, 
in all of the State and Federal courts. Was law 
partner of Stephen R. Mallory, late United States 
Senator from Florida, from 1897 to the time of his 
death. Active in politics and was at various times 
from 1890 to 1905 chairman of the Democratic Ex- 
ecutive Committees of Escambia County and of the 
city of Pensacola. Was county solicitor for Es- 
cambia County for five years, under successive ap- 
pointments by Governors Francis P. Fleming and 
Henry L. Mitchell. City attorney for the city of 
Pensacola and has been continuously since his first 
election in June, 1899. Was the Democratic primary 
nominee for State Senator and elected without oppo- 
sition. 

Senator Jones was an able representative in the 
Senate. He took active part on the floor as a de- 
bater, as well as being an important factor on the 
committees in which he was placed. He was open 
in all matters and never played politics. He worked 
for the best interest of his district and the State 
of Florida. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917 




DK. W. L. IIUGHLETT 



In the November election Dr. W. L. Hughlett was 
elected State Senator of the Thirteenth District, 
receiving practically the solid Democratic vote and 
many Kepublican votes in the district, 'which ex- 
tends from Titusville to Miami. 

Dr. William Leland Hughlett was born in Lan- 
caster, Virginia, on the 16th day of October, 1861. 
His parents were of good family. His father was 
a well-known teacher; his mother a daughter of Dr. 
Charles H. Leland, who was a prominent physician 
and a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

Dr. Hughlett's early life, coming on right after 
the Civil War, was associated with hardship and 
privation. His education was that of the schools 
of his native county. At 16 years of age he began 
the battle of life for himself, and since that time 
no one has paid any bill for him. He began the 
study of medicine early and graduated from the 
Medical College of Virginia at 22 years of age, and 
as an honor man of the class received a much cov- 
eted hospital appointment. 

In 1884 he came to Florida, locating first at Rock- 
ledge. In 1889 he moved to Cocoa, where he has 
since resided. In 1886 lie married Miss Nannie 
Wilkinson, whose family built the Hotel Indian 
River. To them two daughters were born. Both 
are now married to brothers — one an officer in the 
TJ. S. Navy, the other in the drug business. 

Dr. Hughlett has been a successful practitioner 
of medicine. He is an ex-president of the State Med 
ical Society, of the State Surgical Association, and 
of the Brevard County Medical Societv: and for 20 
years has been local surgeon for the Florida East 
Coast Railway. 

For 20 years Dr. Hughlett was mayor of the city 
of Cocoa, and for four years chairman of the Bre- 
vard County Democratic Executive Committee; and 
at this time is president of the News and Star Pub- 
lishing Company and of the Hughlett Drug 
Company. 

Dr. Hughlett is a temperance man — he has never 
taken a drink of alcoholic liquor — and more than 
anything else, attributes what success he has had 
to this fact. He is a Protestant and a Methodist. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 83 




SEN. J. E. ALEXANDER. 



JAMES EVANS ALEXANDER 



Member of the State Senate from Volusia 
County, came to Florida from Tennessee in 1883. 
Represented Volusia County in the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1892-3, 1908-9.' 

Put the Pullman Palace Car Company on the tax 
books in 1893 after a hard and bitter fight, which 
was carried through all the courts, including U. S. 
Supreme Court at Washington, successfully by our 
able young Attorney General, Tom West, and bas 
paid into the State Treasury over one hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

Mr. Alexander is responsible for the law com- 
pelling County Commissioners to advertise for bids 
on all contract work above three hundred dollars, 
and for the law prohibiting jurors from serving but 
once per year, thereby ridding the courts of profes- 
sional jurors; and is also responsible for the law 
prohibiting corporations, railroads or otherwise, 
from discharging their employees without giving 
them the reason when so discharged, when de- 
manded. 



One conductor received twenty-five hundred dol- 
lars from the F. E. C. R. R. Company under this law. 

Put the first laws in the statute books for the pro- 
tection of the cattle industry — compelling i a ailroads 
to post the mark and brands of cattle killed by them. 

He strongly advocated the income tax amendment, 
and uniform system of text books for our public 
schools. 

He strongly supported the eight-hour labor sys- 
ter as recommended by State Federation of Labor. 
He favored good roads. 

Was a strong supporter of the Initiative, Referen- 
dum and Recall. 

Advocated game and fish laws to suit our home 
people and not non-residents and tourists. 

Advocated equal assesment and taxation of cor- 
porate and personal property. 

He has always voted on the moral side of all ques- 
tions and led the fight for the Sloan Bill, which pro- 
hibited race-track gambling in the State of Florida, 
by a vote of 45 to 16. 

He was many years private secretary to that great 
Tribune of the People, the late Senator Wilkinson 
Call. 

Lincoln freed the blacks; Alexander wishes to free 
the whites. 



84 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR JOHN M. GORNTO. 



Senator John M. Gornto was born November 1, 
1865, in Lafayette County, where he now resides. 
When about eight years of age he moved with his 
parents to Perry, Taylor County. He was educated 
in the common schools and studied law under Judge 
E. J. Vann, of Madison, and the law firm of Harrison 
& Peeler in Orlando. He was admitted to practice 
in May, 1888. On November 6, 1889, he married 
Miss Minnie Lee Goodbread, daughter of the late 
Thomas S. Goodbread, of Lafayette County. He 
moved back to Lafayette County in 1892. He was 
assistant enrolling secretary of the State Senate in 
1895, and enrolling secretary in 1897. Elected 
county tax collector in 1908, and served four years. 
Elected in 1910 as a member of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, and again elected in 1912 without op- 
position. Nominated and elected in 1914 without 
opposition as State Senator from the 12th District, 
composed of Lafayette and Taylor Counties. 

Senator Gornto was one of the best known speak- 
ers on the floor of the Senate. He was true to his 
colors, and for the people, regardless of what his 
fellow members thought. He was absolutely fear- 
less. He was a most able declaimer and convincing 
in his arguments. He was logical and took sides in 
a forceful manner. He was placed on many of the 
important committees, and always acquitted himself 
creditably. He never went in for a show, but was 
straightforward in his convictions. His district was 
taken care of by a Senator who knew their wants 
and one who surely fought for their interest as well 
as for the State's. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917. 




SENATOR WILLIAM MONROE IGOU. 



Senator William Monroe Igou was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1872, in Ringgold, Georgia, but was educated 
in the public schools of Georgia and Tennessee. At 
the age of twenty-one he came to Florida and lo- 
cated at Grand Island, Lake County, and later 
moved to Eustis in the same county and engaged in 
farming, stock raising, banking and mercantile bus j 
iness. 

On June 24, 1896, he married Miss Annie Nether- 
land in Lake County, who was originally from 
Kingsport, Tennessee, and the happy union resulted 
in three children — Miss Willie Netherland Igou, 
Douglas Rutledge and Hugh McEwen Igou. 

Senator Igou was county commissioner of Lake 
County. He was elected to the Legislature of the 
lower house for the session of 1911, but before he 
had served out his term, he resigned to accept a seat 
in the Senate to fill the unexpired term of Senator 
I. N. Withers, Mr. Igou being elected by a special 
election, and was re-elected in 1912. During the 
session Senator Igou was considered one of the most 
prominent members of that law-making body. He 
took sides actively and was frank and above board 
in all his dealings. He was always alert to the 
needs and wishes of his district — the twenty-third — 
and fought hard for clean legislating. He never fav- 
ored the few, but was most emphatic in his views 
and efforts to get what the people wanted. He was 
on many of the most important committees, where 
he went thoroughly into all matters affecting his 
district and the State of Florida. 



86 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917. 




SENATOR WILLIAM SPENCER MIDDLETON 



Senator William Spencer Middleton was born 
August 22nd, 1874, in Wayne County, Georgia. A 
son of W. D. and Martha M. (Horton) Middleton. 
He is a direct descendant of Arthur Middleton, one 
of the South Carolina signers of the Declaration of 
Independence. Senator Middleton was reared and 
educated in the county schools of Wayne County, 
Ga. In 1897, together with his father, he came to 
Florida and located in Putnam County. For his 
first year he was engaged in the turpentine business 
with his father and brothers. At the end of this 
period he decided to go upon an independent career 
and moved to Pomona,, where he established himself 
in business, starting with a capital of less than a 
thousand dollars. He also became interested in 
many lines of business, such as saw milling, cattle 
raising, real estate owner, and has become widely 
known as one of the most extensive growers and 
shippers of oranges in his locality. 

On April 8th, 1903, Mr. Middleton was united in 
marriage to Miss Lizzie A., daughter of W. M. and 
Florence (McRory) Williams, of Pomona, and the 
happy union resulted in four children, William Syl- 



j 

vester, Clyde Downing, Aileen Spencer, and Elwyn 
Linton. 

Senator Middleton was elected a member of the 
town council of Pomona, to the School Board of 
Pomona, and to the Board of County Commissioners 
of Putnam County. He served two terms in the 
lower house of the Legislature, and was elected to 
represent the twenty-sixth district in the Senate be- 
ginning the session of 1915. He is prominent in the 
church work and social functions and fraternities in 
his county. 

During Senator Middleton's career at the State 
Capital he has made an enviable reputation, not 
only on the floor of the Senate, but by his accom- 
plishments on the committees. He was placed on 
many of the most important committees, and owing 
to the broad business judgment and thorough knowl- 
edge of his district and the conditions by whicli 
they were affected, he was of most invaluable 
service. He was an extremely hard worker in the 
interest of his district as well as for the State ot 
Florida. He was very highly regarded by his col 
leagues, as well as by those who knew him. He took 
a prominent stand in all moral and educational 
lines and was constantly using his best endeavors 
toward the uplift of humanity. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR DOYLE CARLTON 



Doyle Carlton was, as he commonly says, born, 
bre(a)d and buttered, or rather gravied, among the 
orange groves of DeSoto County, July 6, 1886. 

First attended country school near Wauchula, his 
birthplace ; afterwards graduated from the business, 
academic and college department of Stetson Uni- 
versity, then from the University of Chicago, where 
he took two years' work in a law school of the 
University of Chicago, graduating in the law school 
of Columbia University, New York, 1912, and 
formed the practice of law imTampa as a partner of 
G. E. Mabry, July, 1912, and continued the same 
until this time. Son of Albert Carlton, Wauchula, 
who is engaged in the orange growing and banking 
business; has eight brothers and one sister. Father 
and grandfather fought in the Indian "War. Married 
on July 30, 1912, to Miss Nell Ray, daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. E. D. Ray, Tampa, Fla. 

First attempt in politics; was opposed by three 
daily papers, liquor interests, political machine and 
two candidates, one an ex-Sheriff, the other promi- 
nent in business circles. Received more votes than 
both of them put together. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR CHARLES E. DAVIS. 



Senator Charles E. Davis was born February 1, 
1873, near Aucilla, Jefferson County, Florida. He 
was educated at the State College at Lake City and 
the law school of Washington and Lee University. 
Married February 16, 1898, in Lake City, to Miss 
Leila Stoy. He was mayor of Madison for several 
terms, chairman of the Democratic State Executive 
Committee for a short time, succeeding Arthur 
T. Williams, who had resigned. He was chairman 
of the Indian War Claims Commission by appoint- 
ment of the late Governor Broward. Served as a 
member of the House of Representatives, session of 
1909, and since then a member of the State Senate. 
He was elected president of the Senate for the 1915 
session. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



89 




HON. JAMES WILCOX TURNER. 



Hon. James Wilcox Turner, who represents the 
21st Senatorial District in the Florida Legislature, 
was born in Wilcox County, Ga., in 1878. His 
family removed to Florida when he was a young 



child and he was educated in the public schools of 
Florida and graduated in a literary course from 
Stetson College, DeLand, Fla.. afterwards taking 
his medical course and graduating therefrom at the 
Tnlane University in New Orleans, La., in 1904. 

Dr. Turner is located at Cedar Keys, Fla., in 
Levy County, in the practice of medicine, and has 
been a success in his chosen profession, having 
acquired a competency, and has now, besides his 
practice, the presidency of a local bank and is inter- 
ested in other monied investments. 

He has been active also in the local government 
of Cedar Keys, serving for some years as town coun- 
cilman, and is now State School Inspector. He is 
also Acting Assistant Surgeon in the United States 
Public Health and Marine Hospital Service. 

Being very popular and prominently identified 
with every interest conducive to the good of his 
community. 

Dr Turner consented to run for a seat in the 
upper house of the State's legislative body and won 
out over two opponents. Since being in the Legis- 
lature he has been made a member of several im- 
portant committees and is chairman of the Game 
and Fish Committee; is on the Committee of En- 
grossed Bills, Capitol, State Buildings and Grounds, 
Corporation Organization and Public Health. 

Dr. Turner is married and has four interesting 
children, three boys and one girl. His wife was 
Miss Edith Elizabeth Peacock of Suwannee County, 
Fla. 

A close student of affairs and interested in the 
work of his constituency, Dr. Turner labors for the 
welfare of his section, and will doubtless make his 
mark in the legislative world. 



W. E. BAKER, 29TH DIST. 



Born January 6th, 1492, in Sumter. S. C. Came 
to Florida when a young man to engage in orange 
growing. Located at Melrose on Santaffee Lake. 
Served in no public capacity prior to his election to 
the Florida Legislature in 1902. Was re-elected in 
1904 to the lower house and then in 1906. Defeated 
two of the most prominent men in East Florida — 
Col. C. Fabian Law, a distinguished lawyer, and 



Senator F. A. Fleming, brother to ex-Governor Flem- 
ing — for the Senate. Served with honor to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents in the regular 
sessions of 1909, 1911, and the extra session of 1912, 
and was re-elected in 1916 to succeed himself, which 
is a marked recognition of his proficiency. Mr. 
Baker is a farmer by choice, but follows as a side 
issue the mercantile business, hotel business, and is 
station agent at his home town, Lake Geneva, Fla. 
He is quiet and unassuming, but is universally liked, 
not only by his home folks, but all with whom he 
comes in contact. He is a great advocate of State- 
wide and National prohibition. 



12— P. M. B. 



90 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR JAMES E. CALKINS 



Senator James E. Calkins of Fernandina, Fla., 
was born October 10, 1878. Parents reside in Vo- 



HON. A. M. WILSON. 



This gentleman is one of the most popular mem- 
bers of the Legislative body. He has served two 
terms in the House and now is representing Manatee 
and DeSoto Counties in the Senate. He is originally 
from Thomasville, Ga., but removed with his father 
at an early age to Florida and settled in Polk County, 
where he was educated at the Public Schools, his 
last teacher being Hon. S. M. Sparkman, congress- 
man from Florida to the National House. 

Mr. Wilson married Miss Calladonia Crum of 
Homeland, in Polk County and has an interesting 
family of six sons and four daughters. 

In 1873 he drove his herd of cattle across the Ca- 
loosahatchee River and resided at Fort Myers for 
four years. Having sold out his interests there, he 
removed to Miakka, in Manatee County, where he 
has large herds of cattle and land. Mr. Wilson was 
appointed postmaster at Miakka, and for over thirty 
years, he was either assistant postmaster or postmas- 
ter. He was elected tax assessor of Manatee County 
and served two years. He was also census enumera- 
tor and on the school board for eight years. 

Mr. Wilson was appointed Indian agent and visit- 
ed all the Seminole Indians in Florida, a fruitless en- 
deavor to induce them to accept homesteads and be- 
come citizens. 

In 1913 Mr. Wilson was elected a member of the 
House of Represntatives and served two terms. As 
a legislator, Mr. Wilson has become very prominent. 
He is always in favor of moral issues and educational 
advancements and never hesitates to express his 



lusia County, Florida. Was educated in public 
schools and at University of Georgia. Was ad- 
mitted to practice law in 1901. Commenced the 
practice of law at Fernandina, Fla., in 1902. Elected 
to House of Representatives from Nassau County 
in 1906. Was chairman of House Committee on 
Commerce in Legislature of 1907. Re-elected to 
House of Representatives from Nassau County in 
1908. Was chairman of House Committee on Judi- 
ciary in Legislature of 1909. Elected State Senator 
from sixteenth district in 1910. Was chairman of 
Senate Committee on Governor's Messages in Legis- 
lature of 1911. Was chairman of Senate Committee 
on Education in Legislature of 1913. Re-elected 
State Senator from sixteenth district in 1914. Was 
president pro tern of the Senate in 1915. Elected 
Mayor of Fernandina in 1915. Appointed State 
Commissioner to revise the statutes in 1915. 

Senator Calkins was considered one of the finest 
debators and speakers on the Senate floor. He was 
logical and forceful in his arguments. He made no 
attempts to beat around the bush ; instead, he came 
out in the open and fought from the shoulder and 
fearlessly voiced his sentiments on what he thought 
was right. His ability and judgment was apprecia- 
ted by being placed on so many of the important 
committees. A keen interest is being shown in the 
political career of this Senator, and higher honors 
are most certainly in store for him in the State of 
Florida. 




opinion openly. He always gives valuable time to 
the work of the committetes and studies lgislation 
thoroughly. 

To show how his constituents appreciate his ser- 
vices, Mr. Wilson has again been returned to the 
Legislature ; this time to serve in the Upper House 
as Senator. His community appreciate the value of 
an upright, honorable man and are proud of the work 
he has done. 

A number of important bills have been introduced 
and fathered by Mr. Wilson, but the most important 
at present is his bill giving the State ownership and 
operation of a fertilizer plant, which he hopes will 
break down the fertilizer trust in Florida. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



91 




SENATOR WILLIAM GLENN TERRELL. 



Senator Wliliam Glenn Terrell, of Webster, was 
born in Daleville, Miss., July 24, 1877. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Esther Collins, of Webster, December 
24, 1907, and has two children, daughters. Mr. Ter- 
rell divides the duties of school teaching and the 
practice of law, he being principal of the Sumter 
County High School. While Mr. Terrell is a teacher 
of ability he is a student as well, and claims that he 
will continue to be as long as he lives. He is a 
graduate of the Jasper Normal Institute, and also of 
the Georgia Normal College ; has graduated from the 
department of Cumberland University, and took an 
A. M. degree from Chicago University. His father 
was a Presbyterian minister, who never held political 
office ; his mother from the noted Crawford family, 
of Georgia. 

Mr. Terrell has served his county and the state in 
three sessions of the legislature. In the contests he 
was opposed by prominent and good men. He was 
unanimously chosen as speaker pro tern of the house, 
and easily takes rank among the leading men of the 
assembly. During the session of 1913 he introduced 
and was the acknowledged house leader of the anti- 
race track bill, and the suppression of this vice is 
very largely due to his efforts. He is also the author 
of the child labor bill, juvenile court bill, county site 
election bill, memorial for the improvement of the 
site of Dade's massacre, and other measures of state- 
wide interest. He was one of the most cool, calculat- 
ing men, both in thought and expression, in the 
house, and it was exceedingly rare that he erred in 
the judgment of a measure. 

During Senator Terrell's legislating in behalf of 
the 20th district which he represents, and the State 



SENATOR W. A. MacWILLIAMS. 



W. A. MacWilliams was born January 9, 1863, 
and moved from Baltimore to Florida in February, 
1885. He is a member of the Baltimore Bar, also 
the Florida Bar. He was city attorney of St. Au- 
gustine for two terms; county judge of St. Johns 
County for one term ; was a member of the Florida 
Legislature (House), 1899; Senate 1901-03; House 
1905-07-09-11-13, and recently elected Senator for 
1917-19. 

Mr. MacWilliams was connected with the Florida 
National Guard from 1885, holding commissions as 
first lieutenant, captain, colonel, brigadier general 
and adjutant general. He is a member of all Ma- 
sonic fraternities and of the Shrine, also a member 
of other fraternal orders. He has been connected 
with the Florida State Bar Association since its 
organization, being a member of its executive coun- 
cil for a number of years; was also president of 
the Association. 

He is married, having three children, two of whom 
are married. He also has two grandchildren. One 
daughter married E. Noble Calhoun of St. Augus- 
tine; the other married Ray L. Hendricks, also of 
St. Augustine. 




of Florida, he has made a most enviable reputation. 
Calm and considerate of all measures and of his fel- 
low members who introduced them, yet he took a 
most prominent part upon the floor of the senate to 
get at their true merit. His arguments for, or against, 
were of the logical, in tone and substance. He never 
.drew hasty conclusions nor settled his convictions by 
imaginative views. He was particularly noted for 
his fairness and keen desire to stick to the facts on 
all questions. He was a hard worker in the com- 
mittee rooms and was considered most thorough in 
his efforts to learn of the many vital measures in 
their merit and demerit. His district is most ably 
taken care of and the State of Florida was truly 
served in the hands of the distinguished senator from 
Webster, Florida. 



92 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR JOHN E. KING. 



Senator John E. King was born in Nassau Coun- 
ty, near King's Ferry, May 13, 1861. He removed 
with his father's family to that part of Hernando 
County that is now known as Citrus County. A 
few months in the common schools, supplemented by 
untiring and individual efforts, has given him a 
good, practical education. He was married in 1888 
to Miss S. E. Morrison. The result of this union 
was eight children, seven of whom are now living — 
five girls and two boys. He has served the public 
in various capacities since his twenty-second year, 
being postmaster, tax collector in Hernando and 
Citrus Counties for ten years. He was one of the 
State Auditing Committee in 1901; recording clerk 
of the House of Representatives in 1901 ; committee 
clerk in 1903 ; county surveyor of Citrus County in 
1908-1917. Elected without opposition to the State 
Senate in the June primary, 1916, from the 9th Dis- 
trict, consisting of Citrus, Hernando and Pasco 
Counties. The same determination and energy that 
characterized him in seeking an education is seen 
and felt by his fellow members in the Senate, who 
entertain the greatest respect for his views and 
opinions upon any subject. 



HON. W. A. McLEOD. 



Hon. W. A. McLeod was born November 25, 1864, 
in Crenshaw County, Alabama. He attended the 
rural schools in that State, studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Alabama. He moved to Milton 
and practiced law there for about five years, then re- 
tired from practice. He has twice been Mayor of 
Milton and represented Santa Rosa County in the 
Legislature of 1911. He married Miss Delia Wil- 
liams, September 19, 1900. 

Mr. McLeod is a member of the Woodmen of the 
World, Knights of Pythias and also of the Methodist 
Church. 

In 1914 he was again elected to serve as a Legisla- 
tor from Santa Rosa County in the Session of 1915. 
,How well he performed this great trust is a mat- 
ter of record. He was placed on a great many com- 
mittees in which he acquitted himself with distinc- 
tion. His methods are always fair and open ; he 
never hid behind anyone and expressed his opinion 
that all should know where he stood on all questions. 
He has been a credit to his County and State ; so 
much so that when the question was agitated to make 
a subdivision of the County, Mr. McLeod opposed it 
and when the same was, however, carried and the 




County of Okaloosa was formed, Mr. McLeod was a 
candidate for Senator from the District that included 
the new county, which contained part of his county, 
Santa Rosa, and Mr. McLeod won out over his oppo- 
nent and is now in the Legislature representing this 
District as Senator. Mr. McLeod is very popular in 
his community and holds uninterruptedly the confi- 
dence of his people. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



93 




SENATOR JAMES EAGAN McEACHEEN. 



Senator James Bagan McEachern was born at 
Lecta, Alabama, September 9, 1873. Soon after his 



HON. AAEON DENNIS ANDEEWS 



Hon. Aaron Dennis Andrews was born Jan. 13, 
1862, in Pierce County, Ga. He came to Florida 
when four years of age. He married Miss Sibble 
Hickox of Bradford County in 1883, and they were 
blessed with four boys and one girl. His wife died 
in 1892. He married his present wife, Miss Sarah 
Jones of Baker County, Fla., in 1893, and the happy 
union resulted in six children, three boys and three 
girls. His father, John S. Andrews, married Miss 
Emily Dowling of Pierce County, Ga. Mr. Andrews 
was county commissioner of Bradford County for 
four years. He was elected from Bradford County 
to serve in the legislative session of 1913 and re- 
elected for 1915. He has always taken an active 
interest in local and state politics. He was of a 
conservative nature, yet noted for his keen interest 
for fair play in all legislative matters. He took a 
firm stand on all moral questions and was extremely 
interested in all educational matters. He was frank 
and above board in his political dealings. He ably 



birth, his father moved to Georgia. He spent his 
boyhood days on his father's farm. Attended the 
public schools of Georgia and graduated from the 
Graham High School at Graham, Ala. He then 
taught school for six years. Graduated in medicine 
at the Atlanta College of Physicians and Surgeons in 
1902. Practiced his profession at Bremen, Ga., for 
two years, moving in 1904 to Monticello, Fla., where 
he has resided ever since. He served for four years 
as councilman of the town of Monticello. Three 
years as president of the council and mayor pro 
tern. Was elected to the Senate in 1914, and dur- 
ing the session of 1915 was chairman of the Tem- 
perance Committee and a member of Public Health, 
Finance, Corporations, Pensions and Public Print- 
ing Committees. 

In 1895 Dr. McEachern married Miss Lilla Cook 
of Lecta, Ala. 

In politics he is a Democrat. Is a member of the 
Baptist church, a Mason, Woodman of the World, 
and a Knight of Pythias. 




represented his county and state. His course in the 
House of Eepresentatives was approved by his peo- 
ple and he was elected to the Senate in 1917. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




SENATOR R. A. WILLIS 




SENATOR G. D. ROLAND. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HON. CART A. HARDEE 



Hon. Cary A. Hardee was born November 13, 
1876. in Taylor County, Fla. He was educated in 
the public schools of that county. He taught school 
in Jefferson, Taylor and Madison counties, and in 
the meantime studied law and was admitted to the 
bar in 1899. He moved to Live Oak. Fla.. in 1900. 
where he has ever since resided. He was counsel for 
the Board of Bond Trustees. State attorney of the 
third circuit for eight years, from 1905 to 1913. He 
is president of the First National Bank at Live Oak. 
and was president of the Florida Bankers' Associa- 
tion in 1910. He married Miss Maud Randell of 
Madison. Fla.. February 7. 1900. and they were 
biassed with one child. Miss Mosley Hardee. He is 
related to General W. J. Hardee of Savannah. Ga., 
the famous author of '"'Hardee's Tactics." Mr. 
Hardee was elected the Speaker of the House of 
Representatives for the 1915 session of the Legisla- 
ture by a vote of 59 to 14. His record was one to 
be envied. He was held in the highest esteem by 
all. He was always fair and held no biased opinion. 
His efforts were toward the common good of the 
State of Florida. 



96 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




R. A. GREEN, 
of Bradford County. 

Chief Clerk House of Representatives Session 1017. 
State of Florida. Mr. Hardee was re-elected Speaker 
at the session of 1917, receiving the unanimous 
caucus vote. 




MYRTICE McCA SKILL. 




WILLIAM BUCKNER LANIER. 



Assistant Reading Clerk, House of Representatives, 
during session of 1909-11-13-15. 
Reading Clerk, 1917. 




REV. H. S. HOWARD, 



Assistant Reading Clerk, House of Representatives. 
The first woman in Florida to be elected to 
a position of this kind. 



Chaplain of the House of Representatives, 
1913, 1915, 1917. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



97 




HON. WILEY EASON BE ID BOBSON. 



Hon. Wiley Eason Beid Bobson was born April 
25, 1872, in Lake City, Fla. At the age of ten he 
moved to Lakeland, Fla., and went to school there. 
He launched out for himself at an early age and 
fought the battles of life nobly and well. As time 
passed on Mr. Bobson was sowing his seed for a 
successful career. He engaged in farming, merchan- 
dising and stock raising. His father, Wiley Bob- 
son, came from Georgia to Florida and married Miss 
Susan Boberts, of Columbia County. Mr. Bobson's 
maternal grandfather served in the Legislature of 
Florida, likewise his mother's brother was in the 
Florida Legislature and several other of his rela- 
tives have been members of the Legislature of this 
State. 

There are six children in the family, namely Holly 
Bobson, Wayma Bobson. Elma, Bernice, Ive Mae 
and Dorris Bobson. 

Mr. Bobson was elected to serve in the 1915 ses- 
sion of the Legislature from Polk County. He has 
more than fulfilled what was expected of him. He 
has uplifted many of his fellow members by his high 
moral standard. Never was there a human mortal 
who strove any harder, or made more effort to ac- 



WILLIAM RUSSELL GRIFFIN. 



William Bussell Griffin, the popular sergeant-at- 
arms, was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., on Aug. 
8, 1860. He came to Florida in 1879 and temporar- 
ily located at Orlando ; later he went to Plant City. 
During the year 1884 he married Miss Florida Vir- 
ginia Bobertson, of Plant City, and the happy union 
resulted in three children, namely, Mitchell Griffin. 
John Abel Griffin and Elmer Eugene Griffin. After 
the death of his first wife he married Miss Frances 
Jane Moore of Bartow, which union resulted in 
the birth of one daughter, Jennie Leasey Griffin. 
Mr. Griffin is engaged in farming, stock raising and 
the manufacture of strawberry refrigerators for the 
market. He was elected to serve as sergeant-at-arms 
in the 1915 session of the House of Bepresentatives. 
He has fulfilled the mission ably and meritoriously 
deserves the praise that he receives by the august 
members of the House. He is painstaking, always 
alert to everyone's needs and is frequently spoken of 
as the "man who does things." 




complish clean and honest legislation than the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He succeeded to a marked de- 
gree. He was always open and above board in all 
his dealings not only in politics but in social affairs 
also. He was a glorious credit to his county and 
State. 



13— P. M. B. 



98 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HON. WILLIAM T. CASH. 



William T. Cash, member of the House of Kepre 
sentatives from Taylor County, Florida, was born 
on a farm near Lamont, Jefferson County, Florida. 
July 23, 1878. Soon after the death of his father, 
May 8, 1881, his mother moved to Taylor County, 
and here the subject of this sketch, with the excep- 
tion of brief intervals, has remained ever since. 

The greater part of Mr. Cash's boyhood was spent 
working on the farm. Such schooling as lie received 
was in the rough log school houses of the period, 
when almost anyone with a little book knowledge 
could teach. However, he made good use of his 
opportunities, and being a great reader he laid the 
foundation for broader attainments later on. At the 
age of thirteen his mother, having re-married, he 
left home. After having hired as a farm hand for 
five years, he went to school a few months, and pre- 
pared himself for the teachers' examinations, his 
teacher being Hon. Cary A. Hardee, now member of 
the Legislature from Suwannee County. , 

Mr. Cash began his teaching career in December, 
1897. His first school was in the backwoods of Tay- 
lor County. Since that time he has spent most of 
his time in the school room. He has gone from the 
backwoods schools to the best positions in the 
county, having taught in the county high school for 
several years, and now being principal of the teacher- 
training department of that school. 

In November, 1904, he established the Taylor 
County Topics, which he sold to Jeff L. Davis in 
February, 1905. For a few months in 1906 he was 
associate editor of the Taylor County Citizen until 
that paper was purchased by J. E. Pound and com- 
bined with the Taylor County Herald. In Decem- 
ber, 1911, Mr. Cash purchased a half interest in the 
Taylor County Herald and became associated for 
more than a year with W. E. Inman in its publica- 
tion. He sold his interest in the Herald in 1913, 
but even now furnishes considerable ''copy" for it. 

Mr. Cash has been interested in politics since he 
was ten years old. He remembers how boy of 
ten he hated to hear of Cleveland's defeat. Never 
has there been a campaign since that time in which 



he has not been much interested. He was first a 
candidate for office in 1904, running for county sup- 
erintendent of schools. He led in the first primary, 
but was defeated in the second by sixteen votes. In 
1908 he became a candidate for representative, win- 
ning in the first primary over two opponents. He 
was defeated in 1910 and did not offer again until 
1914, when he was again elected to the House with- 
out opposition. He was renominated in the primary 
of 1916 by a majority of over 500 votes and was 
elected in November without opposition. 

Mr. Cash introduced the Cash primary bill, which 
passed in 1909. This was a bill, among other things, 
providing that every voter should pay his own poll 
tax, and that all candidates should make sworn 
statements of campaign expenses. In 1915 he intro- 
duced the bill which amended the Bryan primary 
law. This was a composite bill, the work of Senator 
Bryan, the Committee on Privileges and Elections, 
of which Mr. Cash was chairman, and others. He 
also favored the State local option compulsory 
school law which was passed and would have sup- 
ported a state-wide bill on that subject. He took 
an important part in educational legislation in each 
session of his membership. He was very influential 
in the enactment of the fish legislation of 1915, and 
he introduced a bill providing for a State Marketing 
Bureau. He does not believe in too much legisla- 
tion, but he is not among those who think that the 
next legislature should enact no new laws. He fav- 
ors the Torrens' system of registering land titles. 
He believes the Tax Commission should have more 
power. He stands for a compulsory education law. 
He thinks the present libel law should be amended 
in the interest of a free press. He is still in favor 
of the establishment of a State Marketing Bureau. 
These are a few of the legislative matters in which 
he is much interested. 

The home. life of Mr. Cash is very congenial. He 
was married in January, 1912, to Miss Gracie Went- 
worth. Four children have come to bless this union, 
of whom three are living, a girl nearly four years 
old, and two twin boys, eighteen months old. Their 
second child, a sweet little girl, died in October. 
1913. The family live on a farm two and one-half 
miles southeast of Perry on the Dixie Highway, for 
which Mr. Cash was a great booster. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



99 




JOHN W. WATSON 
Representative from Dade. 



John W. Watson was born in Newbern, N. C, 
in 1859. He was raised at Raleigh, N. C, and came 
i:o Florida in 1881. He was educated principally at 
the Jeff Love joy Academy, at Raleigh. 

He was married to Miss Cora Chafer at Cedar 
Keys, Fla., in 1882. She was raised in Jacksonville; 
three children were born to this union. 

Mr. Watson was once Mayor of Kissimmee, chair 
man of the County Commissioners of Osceola ; repre- 
sented Osceola County for five sessions in the State 
Legislature; was Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives in 1901 and has represented Dade County 
three times in the Legislature. 

Mr. Watson was Mayor of Miami for four years; 
has been in the hardware and furniture business for 
thirty-three years in Kissimmee and Miami. He is 
also largely interested in orange and grapefruit 
groves and truck farming. 



HON. HENRY S. McKENZIE. 



Henry S. McKenzie, representative from Putnam 
County, is a native of Georgia, having been born in 
Augusta. At the age of three years he moved with 
his parents to Palatka, Florida, which has ever 
since been his home. He was educated in the Palat- 
ka High School and the Florida Military Institute 
at Bartow. After receiving his education, he en- 
tered the printing business with his father, as edi- 
tor of the Palatka Times-Herald, one of the oldest 
papers in the State. Ever since attaining his ma- 
jority he has evidenced a lively interest in politics 
and journalism. His father, Mr. H. A. B. McKenzie, 
served in the 1907 and 1909 sessions of the Legisla- 
ture, but declined to become a candidate for a third 
term. Mr. McKenzie, Jr., was then elected, and 
was the youngest member of the Legislature of 
1911. In 1913 he was assistant secretary of the 
Senate. At the 1915 session he was again a valued 
member of the House, and in the campaign of the 
following year was elected without opposition for 
his third legislative term. At each session he has 
been honored with high committee assignments. In 
1915 Mr. McKenzie Avas appointed by Governor 
Trammell as a member of the Mothers' Pension 
Commission ,and is now its chairman. 

Mr. McKenzie is a prominent factor in the relig- 
ious and civic life of his home town. He is record- 
ing steward of the Palatka Methodist church, and 




is a Past Chancellor Commander of St. Johns 
Lodge, Knights of Pythias, and a former Sachem 
of the Palatka Tribe of Red Men. He is a director 
of the Children's Home Society of Florida. He is 
also a member of the Florida Good Roads Associa- 
tion, the Inland Waterway Association, the Florida 
Press Association, the State Horticultural Society 
and other organizations looking to the development 
and future prosperity of the State of his early adop- 
tion. 



100 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



H. C. HOOD 
Member of the House of Representatives. 




Dr. Hood was born 
in the piney woods 
of northw estern 
P e n n s y lvania in 
1855, so many years 
ago that he would 
not acknowledge it, 
if his honorable 
gray hairs might 
not betray him. 

When five years 
o f age he floated 
down the Allegheny 
Eiver upon a flat- 
boat to Pittsburgh, 
taking his parents 
with him, and there 
boarded a train for 
Ft. Wayne, Allen 



County, Indiana. He attended a graded school at 
Maysville in that county until nineteen years of age, 
when he entered Adrian College, at Adrian, Michi- 
gan, where after five years, during which time he 
acted in the capacity of "Hoosier Schoolmaster" for 
two sessions, he graduated. During the next four 
years he studied medicine and taught school and 
graduated in medicine in 1883 in Brooklyn, N. Y. 

He remained for two years with the physician 
with whom he studied at Ft. Wayne, when he re- 
turned to New York for several months post-grad- 
uate work. 

He located for the practice of medicine at Wichita, 
Kansas, in 1887, where he practiced for four years. 
He then commenced to gravitate southward and re- 
moved in 1891 to Knoxville, Tenn., where he prac- 
ticed until 1893; when, continuing his gravitation, 
he came to "God's Country" and has resided here 
since, or for a period of nearly a quarter of a cen- 
tury. During that time besides practicing his pro- 
fession he has done his part towards developing the 
resources of the country. He had planted and 
brought practically to bearing over three thousand 



orange and grapefruit trees, besides doing other de- 
velopments of a substantial nature ; thus showing his 
interest in his chosen country. 

He has beld three of the most important offices to 
which he has given his time unstintedly and almost 
without financial compensation. 

At the time of the formation of Special Tax School 
District No. 1, eleven years ago, which was the first 
Special Tax District formed in what is now Dade 
and Broward counties, as well as Palm Beach, he 
was elected as a member of that board and its chair- 
man, and continued so for seven years, during wbich 
time the magnificent site chosen for school purposes 
was purchased and the large High School building 
built and a faculty of superior teachers installed. 
During those seven years but one criticism was 
offered, that he made too much effort to protect the 
financial interests of the people and tried to get too 
much for their money. He invites such criticism. 

Because of his dissatisfaction with the policy on 
which the schools were being conducted and over 
which he as a subordinate officer had no control, he, 
with the entire board, resigned. 

After three years and without effort on his part 
he was again elected, and with reversal of policy is 
working diligently to improve the school in every 
way possible. He has served five years as member 
of the Town Council of Palm Beach, and president 
of the same. How efficiently he serves can be easily 
ascertained. 

He was elected more than a year ago as an inlet 
commissioner and chairman of the same, to dig an 
inlet connecting Lake Worth with the ocean, thus 
making a harbor and sub-port here, and the work of 
voting |200,000.00 in bonds has been accomplished 
and the engineering work so nearly completed that 
before January 1st bids for the construction or dig- 
ging can be called for. He invites criticism as to his 
officiency and honesty as a public official. 

You are about to employ some one to look after 
your interests during the next session of the Legis- 
lature. It will be a very important session and the 
responsibility a great one. Your choice is limited to 
two men. Compare their preparation, experience, 
reputation for dependability and honesty, and select 
whichever of the two you, as good citizens, think 
will better serve the best interest of the county. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



101 




HON. NATHAN C. BRYAN. 



Hon. Nathan C. Bryan was born at Marshallville, 
Ga., on August 3, 1867. He was educated in the 
public schools of Macon County, Ga. On August 1, 
1888, he married Miss Annie Oliver, daughter of 
Hon. J. S. Oliver. In "912 he was mayor of Kis- 
simmee, Fla. His activity in this State dates from 
the time he came here, at the age of nineteen years. 
He is a director of the State Bank of Kissimmee, 
trustee of the Baptist Orphanage at Arcadia, Past 
Chancellor of the Knights of Pythias, Past Master 
of the Masonic Lodge and Superintendent of the 
Baptist Sunday School. His life bears a clean 
record and he has always been found to be on the 
right side of all moral questions. The floor of the 
House of Representatives has often heard him pro- 
claim on matters of justice and fairness to not only 
his home county, but for the betterment of Florida 
as a State. 



HON. P. J. FRANKLIN 



P. J. Franklin was born June 20, 1890, in the 
County of Santa Rosa, received his early education 
in the public schools of that county and graduated 
in the Florida Normal Institute of Madison, Flor- 
ida, in June, 1913. Has taught school successfully 
since June, 1910. Taught in the public schools of 
Dade County from 1913 to 1915. Married to Miss 
Buena Vista Strickland of Miami, May 3, 1914. 
Elected to represent Okaloosa County in the Legis- 
lature of 1917 and 1918. 



102 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




hon. McQueen chaires 



Hon. McQueen Chaires was born in Old Town, 
Lafayette County, Florida, February 15, 1871. 

He was educated in the public schools and acad- 
emies of Lafayette County. As a farmer and ranch- 
man he has no peer in North Florida. His expe- 
rience in his chosen vocation has been broad and 
varied. For three years he was in Oklahoma as 



ALEXANDER H. WILLIAMS 



Alexander H. Williams was born in Tallahassee, 
Leon County, Florida, on March 6, 1876, and has 
lived in Tallahassee all of his life. He is a son 
of Joseph John Williams and Eliza Thompson Wil- 
liams. His father moved to Leon County, Florida, 
from Raleigh, N. C, in the year 1853; he was in 
the service of the Confederate States, serving on 
the staff of General Cobb, and was wounded in the 
battle of Natural Bridge ; in 1865 he was a member 
of the House of Representatives from Leon County 
and was elected Speaker of the House of Repre- 
sentatives at that session of the Legislature. The 
subject of this sketch was educated in the public 
schools of Leon County. He was employed in the 
office of the State Comptroller for many years, and 
thereby gained valuable information relative to the 
various departments of the State Government. He 
has served the City of Tallahassee as Clerk and 
Treasurer about seventeen years. He was admitted 
to the practice of law in May, 1906, and is now 
engaged in the practice of law in Tallahassee. He 
was elected a member of the House of Representa- 
tives from Leon County, to serve in the 1917 ses- 
sion of the Legislature. 



stock buyer for the famous One Hundred and One 
Ranch, known to all stock dealers as one of the 
greatest ranches in the world. Being the son of a 
ranchman, he thoroughly developed a sturdy char- 
acter and keen business acumen which so aptly fits 
him to cope with the pressing and varied needs of 
his chosen profession, of which he has made a glow- 
ing success. He is a pioneer of his county in the 
breeding of fine stock. He owned a fine herd of 
Hereford cattle and in addition a large herd of 
native and grade cattle. He is also an extensive 
breeder of fine hogs. He is the senior member of 
the famous T-3 ranch, located on the sun-kissed 
banks of the song-famed Suwannee River, in Lafay- 
ette County, Florida. He stands at the forefront as 
an agriculturalist, being a heavy producer of large 
quantities of all the farm products adapted to his 
section of the State. 

In March, 1902, he was happily married to Miss 
Ruby Sheppard, a lady of rare culture and refine- 
ment. He is the son of the late Hon. Thomas Peter 
Chaires, whose keen business acumen and political 
foresight won for him unsullied laurels of State- 
wide fame, having served once in the House of Repre- 
sentatives and once in Senate of the State of Flor- 
ida. Mr. Chaires, like his sire, early developed those 
finer traits of character and has twice been honored 
by the citizens of his county to the House of Repre- 
sentatives of the Florida Legislature. He was elected 
as a member of the 1909 session of the Legislature 
and again to the 1917 session. 

Mr. Chaires was placed on many important com- 
mittees, where he did excellent work in behalf of his 
county and State. He stood for fairness and was 
ever alert to the best interests on all questions. He 
served his county with a great deal of credit and 
distinction. His efforts will have a history-bearing 
record in his county and State for a long duration 
of time. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



103 




HON. W. C. LANGFOED. 



Hon. W. C. Langford is a native of DeSoto 
County. He was born on June 17, 1877, attended 
the public schools of the county and was awarded a 



HON. AMOS E. LEWIS. 



Hon. Amos E. Lewis (bachelor), of Marianna, 
was born at Greenwood, Jackson County, December 
5, 1876; attended the public schools of said county, 
and studied law at the University of Virginia in 
1897-98 ; admitted to the Marianna bar in December, 
1898, practiced law there until November, 1899, 
when he was appointed private secretary to Senator 
S. B. Mallory, and remained with the Senator in 
said capacity until his death in 1907, and was ap- 
pointed private secretary to his successor, Senator 
Williams James Bryan, and remained with him 
until his death in 1908, and was also appointed pri- 
vate secretary to his successor, Senator William H. 
Milton, and remained with him until the expiration 
of his term of office in 1909 ; was United States Com- 
missioner of the Northern District of Florida from 
June, 1909, until June, 1913 ; elected in the primary 
of 1908, a member of the county Democratic Execu- 
tive Committee of Jackson County for four years, 
and was elected in the primary of 1912, a member of 
the Florida State Democratic Committee from Jack- 
son County; and was elected a member of the Flor- 
ida Legislature (House) at the special election held 
on January 12, 1915, vice Hon. J. B. Shoemaker, de- 
ceased. Been engaged in the active practice of the 



cadetship at the South Florida Military Institute, 
where he attended for four years, graduating in 
1899. In 1904 he was elected tax collector of DeSoto 
being re-elected in 1906. In 1912 he was elected to 
the House of Bepresentatives of the Florida legisla- 
ture and was re-elected in 1914. The issue involved 
in his candidacy for the legislature in 1912 was the 
question of county division of DeSoto; he being 
elected as an anti-divisionist. The same question 
was the issue in 1914, when he, as an anti-division- 
ist on the single issue, was given the largest vote 
ever polled against division. Aside from opposing 
a division of DeSoto County, he stood in favor of 
compulsory education, reapportionment, constitu- 
tional convention, local self-government for cities, 
reduction of legal interest, salary basis for county 
officials, state marketing bureau, a more perfect tax 
deed, good roads and drainage regulation, quaran- 
tine protection for the citrus industry, and other 
matters of similar import. He voted for submission 
of the liquor bill. He was opposed to woman suf- 
frage. He was considered to possess excellent abil- 
ity in committee work. He had a large following, 
who had the highest regards for his judgment in all 
matters affecting county and state. 




law at Marianna since July, 1908. Mr. Lewis was 
said to be one of the most forceful speakers in the 
House of Bepresentatives. He took sides strongly, 
earnestly and fearlessly and never shirked the duties 
put upon him, but worked hard and faithfully to 
obtain the best results for his home county as well 
as for the State. 



104 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HON. ABNER GILE WITHEE. 
Representative from Columbia County. 



Hon. Abner Gile Withee was born in LaCrosse, 
Wis., February 2, 1880. He was educated at the 
Lawrenceville School, Lawrenceville, N. J., and 
Princeton University. 

Mr. Withee came to Florida in 1904 — to Water- 
town — and has been connected with the East Coast 
Lumber Company, at that place, ever since, having 
been made secretary of the company in 1910. Ml. 
Withee also has extensive naval stores and dairying 
interests in the State. He is a director in the 
Columbia County Bank of Lake City. 

Mr. Withee has always taken an interest in mili- 
tary affairs, having been an officer of the National 
Guard of the State since 1906. He is at present 
in the officers' reserve. 

Mr. Withee married August 2, 1914, to Miss Alice 
M. Martin, of Jacksonville. He has one son, A. G. 
Withee, Jr., born May 22, 1915. 

Mr. Withee is holding his first political office, 
having been elected to the 1917 session of the Leg- 
islature from Columbia County by a handsome ma- 
jority. 



HON. M. A. BEST. 
Representative from Suwannee County. 



M. A. Best was born in Barnwell County, S. C, 
in 1874, and moved to Marion County, Fla., in 1882. 
He attended school in Florida until 1889, and then 
went to Highstown (N. J.) High School for three 
years. He again came South and went into business 
in Augusta, Ga., in 1897. He was married to Miss 
Lillian P. Martin on December 30, 1900, at Bran- 
ford, in Suwannee County, Fla., and moved from 
Augusta, Ga., to Branford, Fla., in 1904, where he 
engaged in the cotton and drug business, and also 
farming. 

Mr. Best was elected to the 1917 session of the 
Legislature from Suwannee County by a handsome 
majority over strong opposition, three others having 
entered the race against him. 

In the Legislature he has distinguished himself for 
his ability, and has served on the following im- 
portant committees: Canals and Drainage, County 
Officials, Legislative Expenses, Live .Stock, and Pub- 
lic Roads and Hiaghways. 





LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



105 




D. T. GEROW. 
Ex-Postmaster of Jacksonville. 



No man in the State of Florida stands any higher 
among his fellowmen than Mr. Gerow. Mr. Gerow 
has been a prominent feature in political affairs in 
this State for many years — a leading Republican, 
but yet democratic in his make-up — and among the 
business men of Jacksonville he has always been 
looked upon as a generous, broad-minded, affable 
gentleman, and is now serving as auditor for the 
new Board of Commissioners of Jacksonville, which 
indeed from a political standpoint speaks well for 
a man who has always taken a leading part in the 
Republican party. 



HON. L. S. LIGHT 



Hon. L. S. Light was born in Lebanon County, 
Penn., January 25th, 1856, of Pennsylvania German 
parents. His forefathers settled in Lebanon, Penn., 
in 1719. 

Mr. Light received a common school education, 
served an apprenticeship to the printing business. 
He came to Florida January 1st, 1878, has lived in 
this State ever since, and in Marion County thirty- 
four years. He is a farmer by occupation. 

The people of Marion County elected him to the 
Legislature of the State in 1908, again in 1912, and 
again in 1916. 

Three times in succession his precinct has given 
him a unanimous vote for the Legislature. 




1 4— P. M. B. 



106 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



"SETH WOODRUFF. 



Seth, the oldest of the 
third generation of Or- 
ange 'County Woodruffs, 
was born at Mellonville, 
(Ft. Reed), March 10th, 
1862. He attended the 
county schools, upon pay- 
ing tuition, the schools of 
that time being free only 
to- those unable to pay. He 
entered the Preparatory 
Department, Erskine Col- 
lege, Due West, S. C, in 
October, 1877, took the six 
years' course in five years, 
graduating in 1882, with 
A. B. degree and honora- 
ble mention in all the 
branches of study. Upon 
returning home he enter- 
ed upon a busy life of or- 
ange growing, trucking, 



Seth Woodruff. 



cattle raising and mercantile business, which he fol- 
lowed for ten years, and during a part of the time 
engaged in public business, serving as clerk and 
assessor and tax collector and treasurer of Sanford, 
and as assistant tax assessor of the county. 

In 1892 he was elected tax collector of Orange 
County and served in this capacity until 1904. 

Upon terminating this public service he returned 
to his profitable business of cattle, trucking and 
orange growing. The writer could stop right here 
and enough would have been written to fill one 
man's busy lifetime, but Mr. Woodruff has continued 
to crowd in many other things. A Democrat in 
politics, he has been actively connected practically 
all the while with precinct and county organization, 
and is now chairman of the Democratic Executive 
Committee of Orange County. 

The public good has ever been in his 'thought and 
he has given unstintingly of his time and talents 
toward the promotion of many good causes. He was 



one of the small number who, in 1895, initiated the 
movement for hard-surfaced roads and now takes 
pride in the great system of county brick roads, 
which is the culmination of efforts along these lines. 

He has encouraged the development of the public 
school interests into the splendid system now exist- 
ing. He has always been deeply interested in legis- 
lative affairs and has actively promoted progres- 
sive laws for school, road, citrus, trucking and stock 
interests, and has contributed in service, time and 
money for every public and civic enterprise. 

He was among the few who organized the Orlando 
Driving Park Association, out of which has devel- 
oped the Orange County Fair Association, and the 
holding annually of a sub-tropical mid-winter ex- 
position, embracing four counties. He was presi- 
dent of the Fair Association during the first and 
second years and at the recent annual meeting in 
July, was again elected to that responsible position. 
He was president of the Orlando Board of Trade 
during 1911, and again in 1914, the rules of the 
Board making the president ineligible for a succes- 
sive term. 

He served as city alderman for some years, and 
as such was a careful and energetic city council- 
man. 

He endorses all legitimate sports when conducted 
in a clean way and contributes to racing, baseball, 
and polo, and is identified with social affairs and 
is a stockholder in the Orlando Country Club. He 
is a hearty believer in fraternal organizations, and 
is a member of numerous fraternal orders. 

Mr. Woodruff was happily married in 1896 to a 
native Florida lady, who was born and raised in 
Tallahassee, whose maiden name was Elizabeth 
Agnes Shine. 

Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff enjoy a wide circle of 
friends and acquaintances, and with true Shine and 
Woodruff spirit, "the latch string" to their home 
always hangs on the outside. Seth enjoys and 
prizes the distinction of being a genuine Florida 
"cracker,' and while he does not recall having been 
consulted as to just where be should first see the 
light, he is perfectly satisfied that he should first 
have seen it among the orange groves, lakes and 
pines of old Orange County, Florida. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917. 



107 




HON. J. A. HANSON. 



Hon. J. A. Hanson was born on September 1. 
1850, at Eufaula. Ala., and was raised in Mont- 
gomery County, Ala., where his father was a cotton 
planter until 1867. Afterwards he was in the mer- 
cantile business in Union Springs, Ala., until 1872, 
when he went to Texas. Not enjoying good health 
there after a four years' stay, he came to Florida, 
landing at Lane Park, then in Sumter County. In 
1882 he moved to Leesburg, where he has since re- 
sided. 



When Mr. Hanson came through Tallahassee in 
1876, Marcellus Stearns was then the carpet-bagger 
governor and most of the Legislature was composed 
of negroes. Mr. Hanson's first vote was to help elect 
the first Democrat governor after the Civil War. 

Mr. Hanson married Miss Lucy V. Williams, of 
Knoxville, Tenn., in 1885. 

For twenty -five years he was in the hardware bus- 
iness, but is now retired from active business, devot- 
ing his time to improving his city property. 

Mr. Hanson claims the honor of being the original 
good roads man in the State, having in 1882 hard 
surfaced one-half the street in front of his place of 
business in Leesburg. The mayor of that town see- 
ing what a good thing it was, ordered all property 
owners to hard-surface with sand-clay in front of 
their property in the then business portion of the 
town. Committees from Orlando and other towns 
sent representative men to view this hard-surfacing 
and then went back and did likewise. Thus was 
started the first hard-surfaced sand-clay roads in 
the State. Now Lake County has over two hundred 
miles of superb roads of this material. 

Mr. Hanson was elected to the Legislature in 
1911, 1913, 1915 and had no opponent in the last 
election, so is now serving his fourth term, being 
the only man in the House so long in continuous 
service. 

Mr. Hanson is a Presbyterian and a K. of P., and 
has served his city as mayor. Last session he intro- 
duced and passed the local option compulsory edu- 
cation bill, and this term hopes to see a state-wide 
bill passed. He is an able champion of all civic 
rights and measures that come before the House. 



FEANCIS W. PERRY 



Francis W. Perry was born in the City of Bridge- 
port, Conn., July 4th, 1859. Was educated at the 
Brimfield Academy, Brimfield, Mass., and at Am- 
herst College, Amherst. Mass., being a member of 
the class of 1883. Mr. Perry taught mathematics 
for three years, after which he spent four years 
studying music at the New England Conservatory of 
Music, one of the highest schools, if not the highest, 
in the world, graduating at the end of four years 
He later taught ••voice" successfully for a number 
of years in Boston. He came to Florida in 1897; 
made some investments in Lee County which proved 
to be lucrative. Mr. Perry is a prominent Mason 
and a member of Joseph Warren Commandery of 
Knights Templar. Mr. Perry recites, when he was 
but a small boy, "The charm of my grandmother's 
stories regarding Uncle Oliver (Oliver Hazard 
Perry) left an impression upon my mind which has 
stimulated me to attempt to be of some service to 
those with whom by lot in life might be cast." 

Mr. Perry was married in October. 1906. to Miss 
Jennie Cormack of Boston, one of the most beautiful 
young ladies of her set. To this union was born 
three charming children. Gordon Alexander, age 9; 
Chesley Frank, age 6. and Elizabeth Mina. age 1 
year. Their home is a beautiful bungalow on the 




south shore of the Caloosahatehee Bay at Fort 
Myers. 

Last year Mr. Perry was president of the Fort 
Myers Board of Trade, and represented the Florida 
Citrus Enchange interest in Lee County from the 
Board of Directors at Tampa. 

Mr. Perry is regarded as one of the most fluent, 
powerful and convincing speakers on important 
matters that come before the House of Representa- 
tives. 



108 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HON. W. G. TILGHMAN 



Hon. W. G. Tilghmau is a partner in the firm of 
N. J. Tilghmau & Sons, owners of a cypress shingle 
factory. In this and other connections he is promi- 
nently identified with the industrial development of 
the town, and, moreover, he is known as a most 
ardent and effecttive worker in support of all those 
interests which advance the social and moral prog- 
ress of the community. He was born near Salisbury, 
Maryland, October 12, 1854, and is a son of N. J. 
and Mary (White) Tilghman, who were also natives 
of the same locality, while both the paternal and 
maternal grand-parents were likewise born in Mary- 
land. One of his ancestors, the Rev. William Gordy, 
was a Methodist Episcopal clergyman of Maryland, 
and his grandfather, Samuel Q. White, became min- 
ister of the same church. N. J. Tilghman is like- 
wise a Methodist preacher, but is now living retired 
in Palatka, at the age of eighty-four years. His 
second wife and the mother of our subject died when 
their son, W. G. Tilghman, was sixteen years of age 
and later the father married again. There were 
three children of the former marriage, W. G., J. Q., 
who died in May, 1911 ; and Ida T., the wife of H. O. 
Hamm. The family came to Florida in 1884, settling 
at Francis, Putnam County, where they have since 
been identified with the sawmill business. In 1890 
a mill was established at Palatka, where they en- 
gaged in the manufacture of lumber, but during the 
last nineteen years they have devoted their attention 
exclusively to the manufacture of cypress shingles, 
in which connection they have won an unexcelled 
reputation. They make the best cypress shingles in 
the world and receive the best market price for their 
work. Their brands are known as the Florida Per- 
fection Diamond. Their output is sixty thousand 



shingles per day and they employ fifty to sixty men 
in the mills and woods. W. G. Tilghman has super- 
vision over the manufacturing end of the business, 
while his brother attended to the office affairs until 
his death, since which date the former has had en- 
tire control of the business. The father, too, was an 
active factor in the management and development of 
the business in its early history, but for a number of 
years has lived retired. The cypress shingle factory 
is one of the most important industrial enterprises 
of Palatka, but, in addition to this, W. G. Tilghman 
became well known over Florida as the manufac- 
turer of the Tilghman Condition Powders, a cure 
for diseases of cattle in the' South. He developed 
the cure through actual experience with his own 
stock and continued the manufacture of the product 
for some time, but has since sold out in that line. He 
is today the owner of some of the finest live stock* 
in Florida. 

In 1886 occurred the marriage of Mr. Tilghman 
and Miss Mattie Hickenlooper, who was born in 
Albia, Iowa, a daughter of Thomas Hickenlooper. 
Four children have been born of this marriage — - 
N. J., Helen, Thomas and William, all natives of 
Florida. Mr. Tilghman is a man of varied talents. 
He recites exceptionally well and he also possesses 
marked musical ability. He can easily attract in 
every way a crowd, and he secured audiences and 
helped to entertain them for a month in the fight 
to drive whiskey out of Palatka, the people giving 
him the credit for making Putnam County dry. His 
recitations are mostly of a humorous character, 
largely in the negro dialect. He has a natural fund 
of humor and easily sees the ludicrous side of any 
situation. When it was attempted to make Putnam 
County dry he entered heartily into the project and 
the efforts of none were more effective in bringing 
about the desired result. His political allegiance is 
given to the Democratic party since he became a 
resident of Florida, previous to which time he was a 
Republican. He holds membership in the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and is a most valued factor in its 
musical circles. Indeed, he is director of music in 
the church, while his wife acts as organist, and sev- 
eral members of the Tilghman family are also mem- 
bers of the choir, which is said to be the best in the 
Florida conference. Seven of the twelve members 
of the Palatka choir belong to the family, which is 
a most musical one, the talents of the different mem- 
bers being well developed. In Masonry Mr. Tilgh- 
man has attained high rank. He has been high priest 
of the chapter, an eminent commander of the com- 
mandery, and he also belongs to the Mystic Shrine 
and the Eastern Star. Palatka, indeed, numbers him 
among her valued, prominent and representative resi- 
dents, and the position is one to which he has at- 
tained, through his own merit and ability. Success 
has attended his efforts, and in addition to his mills 
and factory he is the owner of the Tilghman block, 
with ninety-four foot frontage on Lemon Street, the 
main street of the town. His has, indeed, been a 
well spent life and one productive of good results, 
not only for the benefit of himself but also for the 
community in which he lives. 

He was elected to serve Putnam County in the 
legislative session of 1915. How well he has fulfilled 
that trust is now a matter of record. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



109 




I 

M. JOHNSON 

James M. Johnson was born on the Pensacola 
Naval Eeservation November 16th, 1866. Served as 
apprenttice in draughting department of construc- 
tion and repairs, Pensacola Navy Yard, for two 



years. Was appointed Street Superintendent in 1901 
for the City of Pensacola and served two years under 
the Hon. C. Moreno Jones, who at that time was 
Mayor. Was elected Building Inspector for the City 
of Pensacola in- 1909 and at the present time is 
still serving as Building Inspector. He has always 
been a staunch friend and advocate of labor, and 
every time he has called on them for their votes they 
responded to a man, and he feels that he owes his 
election as a Kepresentative of their county solely 
to them and their efforts in his behalf. 

Pensacola, Fla., Feb. 16, 1911. 
To Whom It May Concern: 

I have known Mr. James M. Johnson for the past 
fifteen years and have always found him reliable, 
trustworthy, and entirely competent to carry 
through any enterprise which he undertakes. As 
Street Superintendent and as Building Inspector for 
the City of Pensacola. he has done valuable public 
service, and my own business with him as a private 
contractor has demonstrated to me an entire trust- 
worthiness and an excellent ability. I shall be glad 
to answer any questions concerning him, and he is 
at liberty to use me as a reference at any time. 
Very truly vours, 

" FRANK L. MAYS. 

FLM :CH 



HON. WILLIAM J. CROSBY. 



William J. Crosby was born at Starke, Bradford 
County, Florida, November 8, 1868, of South Caro- 
lina and Georgia parentage. He was educated in 
the public schools of Bradford County. When a 
young man he moved to Alachua County, where in 
March, 1892, he married Miss Debbie Daniels, of 
North Carolina, and aftenvards moved to Brevard 
County, moving back to Alachua County three years 
later. This union was blessed with one son, who 
died at the age of eighteen months. On January 
2, 1896, he lost his wife, and in September, 1897, 
he was married to Miss Rose Evans of Alachua 
County. This union has been blessed with eight 
children, seven now living. 

Mr. Crosby has been a life-long Democrat. He 
was a member of the Democratic Executive Com- 
mittee of Alachua County for several years, and 
was a delegate from that county to the last State 
Convention in Jacksonville, June, 1900. He moved 
to Citra, Marion County, August 1, 1900, and has 
resided there ever since. He has held a number of 
positions of trust and honor in his town and county. 
He served his town as mayor, clerk and councilman 
for several years. He served on the board of trus- 
tees in his school district for fourteen years, twelve 
years as chairman of the board. Was a member of 
the Marion County Democratic Executive Commit- 
tee for several years. Was elected commissioner 




from the Fifth District for four years ; two years of 
that time was chairman of the board. 

How well he lived as a citizen and served his 
people as a faithful official was attested by the vote 
given him in the June primary in 1914, he being 
nominated by a very large majority to serve his 
county in the Legislature for the session of 1915. 
He was a member of several important committees. 
He was careful and conscientious in his work. He 
was renominated again for the Legislature in June, 
1916, without opposition, to serve in the 1917 session 
of the Legislature. 

Mr. Crosby is a farmer and orange grower. 



110 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HON. HOWAED GEE SHAM PUTNAM. 



Hon. Howard Greshani Putnam was born April 
16, 1872, in Acworth, Ga. He is of Scotch Irish 



HON. C. A. STEPHENS. 



"Born October 28, 1878, on a farm in Hamilton 
County, Florida, near Jennings. Received his lit- 
erary education in the common schools of this 
county and finished the same in the Jasper Normal 
Institute at this place. 

Taught school about two years in South Georgia 
and North Florida. 

Was admitted to the practice of law in this State 
in 1901. Is a member of the bar of the Supreme 
Court of Florida; a member of the Circuit Court of 
this Circuit; all the Federal Courts of this State 
and the United States Supreme Court of America, 
at Washington, D. C. Has practiced his chosen pro- 
fession in the several courts since the respective 
dates of admission therein. Has been reasona- 
bly successful in his profession. 

Served several years as chairman of the County 
Democratic Executive Committee, and as a member 
of the Congressional and State Democratic Execu- 
tive Committees of this State. 

Was nominated to the Legislature in the June 
primary last past, over two opponents by a compli- 
mentary majority. 

Refusing absolutely to be coerced or politically 
bulldozed to vote for Sidney J. Catts for governor 
in the June election last past, two Catts men ran 
against him, who were ignominuously and shame- 
fully defeated at the polls by the people of this 
county in the last general election, though he openly 



descent. His father, J. B. Putnam, was a Confed- 
erate soldier, and served in the Georgia ranks with 
distinction. At a very early age he moved to Texas. 
When about twelve years old came to Florida and 
located at Oak Hill in Volusia County. Mr. Put- 
nam is a self-educated man. He was deprived of 
going to school after twelve years of age, and was 
forced to seek his knowledge in other ways. He 
became a prosperous fruit grower in his section of 
the State. He was elected from Volusia County to 
the legislative session of 115 by a large vote. During 
his career there he was particularly known for his 
painstaking efforts and thoroughness in all legisla- 
tive matters. He was especially adapted to com- 
mittee work. His stability of purpose was always 
manifested in every instance. He continually strove 
to work for the best interest of the county and State. 
He was broad in his views and stood up for his con- 
victions. He was considerate of his fellow members 
and believed in every member expressing his own 
views. His county made no mistake in sending a 
man of his character and ability to the House of 
Representatives for he was aggressive and progres- 
sive. He made a strong effort to divide his county, 
and was re-elected. 




advocated Knott's election. He respected Mr. Catts 
as governor, but as a man and as a Christian he has 
for him the most superlative contempt." 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



Ill 




W. J. EPPERSON 



W. J. Epperson was born in Cherokee County, 
Georgia, and moved with his parents to Levy County, 



S. D. HARE IS 



S. D. Harris was born in Sumter County, Florida, 
on April 6tth, 1866, and removed with his parents, 
Thomas H. and Parmelia C. Harris, to what is now 
Pinellas County, in October, 1868, and has been a 
resident of this vicinity ever since. 

On November 9th, 1887, he was married to Miss 
Emma Cone, of Columbia County, Florida. Miss 
Cone belonged to that well-known family which 
bears her name, and which has had much to do with 
the development of the northern part of the State. 

Mr. Harris received his education in the common 
county schools of his community, and has always 
been at the forefront of all religious and civic move- 
ments looking to the best development of the county. 

When Pinellas County was created out of the 
western portion of what was formerlv Hillsborough 
County, he. together with the Hon. John S. Taylor 
of Largo, had charge of the bill authorizing the 
organization of the county. 

Mr. Harris has never run for nor held any public 
office before, except that of local school trustee, 
although urged many times to do so. He is an 
active member of the M. E. Church, South, and an 
enthusiastic Sunday School worker, having been 
superintendent of his Sunday School for more than 
twenty-two years past, besides taking an active part 
in the various State organizations tending to the 
upbuilding of the Sunday School work in the State 



Florida, when a small boy, where he has since re- 
sided. He was reared on a farm and educated in 
the public schools. Entering the mercantile busi- 
ness at the age of 21, he was for years a successful 
merchant, afterward engaging in banking, naval 
stores and farming. Mr. Epperson was treasurer of 
his county for four years. Was twice elected a dele- 
gate to the State convention before the day of pri- 
maries. He served in the Legislature in 1909, 1911 
and 1913 as Representative from Levy County, and 
was again elected to represent the county in 1917. 
He is the author of some good laws, was always 
appointed a member of some of the most important 
committees in the House. He believes in conserva- 
tive, constructive legislation and any that is for the 
betterment of the people of the State. A man of 
excellent judgment, quick to discern the defects in a 
bill, and decide whether the good points of a law 
would outweigh the bad. He is a close observer, and 
loves to read. He has given much thought to political 
arithmetic and political economy. 

Mr.Epperson has a wife and two children living, 
Mrs. S. F. Harris and Mrs. Frank B. Marshburn. He 
is a member of the Methodist Church and the 
Masonic Lodge. 




At the present titme he is successfully engaged in 
the funeral business in the City of St. Petersburg, 
and has the highest respect of both friends and 
enemies. 



112 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



HON. GEORGE H. WILDEE. 




Hon. George H. Wilder was born February 23, 
1870, at Plant City, where he now resides; was 
reared on a farm ; educated in the common and pri- 
vate schools of Hillsborough County and graduated 
from Stetson University in 1893; clerk under the 
sergeant-at-arms of the United States Senate for 
two years; private secretary to Congressman S. M. 
Sparkman for fourteen years, resigning that posi- 
tion in order to devote his full time to private af- 
fairs. Married Miss May Virginia Walling, of 
Washington, D. C. They have one child, George 
Walling Wilder. Mr. Wilder has been extensively 
engaged in farming, the cattle industry and fruit 
growing; his father, C. L. Wilder, represented Hills- 
borough County four terms in the Legislature, was a 
Confederate veteran, serving throughout the war. 

The subject of this sketch was elected to the 
House of Representatives which met in 1915, and 
re-elected to the session of 1917. 



HON. M. O. BAGGETT. 



Hon. M. O. Baggett, the deep thinking representa- 
tive from Escambia County, was born in Santa Rosa 
County, February 10, 1862. 

He was educated in the public schools of Santa 
Rosa County. He later moved to Escambia County 
where he has been successfully engaged in the tim- 
ber and agricultural interests for the past twenty- 
five years. 

He has ever been active in promoting the best 
financial and political interests of his native state, 
and has been a large producer of wealth and reforms 
along varied lines. 

He was happily married to Miss Mary Mason in 
March, 1887, and is the proud father of eleven noble 
sons and daughters. 

He has been very actively engaged in state and 
county politics for the past twenty years. He served 
his county in various offices of public trust. He was 
ehicted to the Florida Legislature in the spring of 
1916 for the second time. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917. 



113 




HON. JAMES BAILEY STEWART. 



The Hon. James Bailey Stewart is one of the 
newly elected members of the House of Bepresenta- 
tives in Florida and represents the County of Nas- 
sau. 

Mr. Bailey was born on July 27, 1889, and is one 
of the youngest members of the House. He is the 
youngest son of Geo. T. Stewart and Julia F. Stew- 
art. His mother was reared in Nassau County, Pla., 
but his father came from Screven County, Ga. 

The subject of our sketch attended the public 
schools of Nassau County and the high school of 
Douglas, Ga., and graduated from the Georgia Mil- 
itary College of the latter place; he then took a 
preliminary course at the South Florida Military 
College, Bartow, Fla. 

After his school years, Mr. Stewart engaged in 
the naval stores business for three years, and then 
began the study of law in the Law Department of 
the University of Florida, receiving the degree of 
Bachelor of Laws. Upon graduation, he entered 
upon the practice of law in his home town, Hil- 
lard, Fla. Mr. Stewart has been very successful in 
his chosen profession, evidencing a thorough under- 
standing of the jurisprudence of the courts of Flor- 
ida and attaining quite a reputation at the bar. 

In March, 1916, at the earnest solicitation of his 
friends and constituents, he became a candidate for 
the Legislature and won over two opponents, who 
withdrew in his favor. He was then elected mayor 
of Hilliard, which position he now holds. 

Although new in legislative work, Mr. Stewart 
comes to it full of energy and enthusiasm, with a 
determination to do all in his power for the advance- 

15 — P. M. B. 



HON. FRANK CLARK, JK, 



Frank Clark, Jr., of Gainesville, member of the 
House of Bepresentatives from Alachua County, was 
born September 3, 1887, in Bartow, Florida. He 
is a son of Congressman Frank Clark of the Second 
Florida District, who has represented his District 
in the Congress of the United States since 1905. He 
is a graduate of the University of Georgia, class of 
'09, with the degree of B. A., and is practicing law 
in Gainesville. He married Miss Kitty James, of 
Chester, S. C, January 27, 1915. Is the present 
municipal judge of the City of Gainesville. 




ment of his State and the good of his home town 
and constituents. 

Mr. Stewart has three brothers; one, Chas. E. 
Stewart, now serving his fourth term in the Georgia 
Legislature from Coffee County; another, a dentist, 
J. F. Stewart, in Wauchula, Fla., and a third, W. 
W. Stewart, engaged in the naval stores and saw 
mill business in Coffee County, Georgia. 



114 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



HON. ARTHUR GOMEZ 



Hon. Arthur Gomez was born in Key West Sep- 
tember 12, 1887. Attended the public schools of 
Monroe County for six years. In 1911 he began the 
study of law. He was admitted to practice June 15, 
1914, passing the examination before the Supreme 
Court. In 1913 he was elected Councilman from the 
Sixth Ward of Key West, being chosen as president 
pro tern and acting as Mayor for three weeks during 
the absence of the Mayor and President of the Coun- 
cil. In 1914 he was elected to represent Monroe 
County in the Legislature of 1915. He was an ener- 
getic worker not only in committee rooms, but fre- 
quently voiced his sentiments upon the floor of the 
House of Representatives. His political career yet 
young, will be one worth while, according to the 
predictions of those who know him and his record. 
He stood pat on all Statewide propositions that 
were sanctioned by his home county. 



HON. C. F. BARBER. 





C. F. Barber was born in Duval County, Septem- 
ber 4, 1859. He was about two years old when his 
father died. At that time his mother moved back 
to Baker County, on the Saint Mary's river, near 
where the town of Macclenny is now located. 

His education was very limited — he going to the 
few private schools which were few and far between 
at that time. 

He has resided in Baker County up to this time, 
and has followed logging, saw milling, stock rais- 
ing, farming and the nursery business. 

He married a Florida girl in 1880 and the union 
was blessed with three boys and two girls; mother 
and father have lived to see them all grown and 
with families of their own. 

He was rocked in a democratic cradle, educated to 
the faith and has lived up to it. He was elected rep- 
resentative in 1888, serving as representative at the 
extra and regular session of the Legislature in 1889. 
Was elected Senator in 1896 of the 29th Senatorial 
District , composed of Baker and Clay counties. He 
represented the district as Senator in 1897 and 
again in 1899, and was elected representative for 
Baker County in 1916. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




J. C. PEIVETT. 
State Labor Inspector. 



The Legislature of 1913 passed an amendment to 
the Child Labor Law creating the office of State 
Labor Inspector to enforce its provisions and J. C 
Privett, often referred to as father of the child labor 
and compulsory education law, was appointed for a 
four-year term by Governor Trammel]. Since he 
assumed the office nearly three thousand children 
between the ages of 8 and 15 years have been re- 
moved from employment in violation of the law 
and with the aid of the compulsorv education law 
m the eight counties that have adopted it. a verv 
large increase in the school attendance is noticeable 
His administration of the office has received the en- 
dorsement of the organizations and individuals in- 

Pbfn t V" C M ld Welfare ' incI «<*ing the National 
< hild Labor Committee and the Department of 





116 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




HE PUBLISHED THIS BOOK 



Col. Thomas J. Appleyard, State Printer of Flor- 
ida, who published this book for Pat Murphy after 
Pat had carried the copy around the State from 
printing office to printing office for over a year. Pat 
saw his old friend, Mr. Appleyard, and the Colonel 
agreed to publish the book if Herbert Felkel would 
assist in the editing of it. They "got together" and 
"got busy," and this book is the result. Pat says 
the Colonel came to the rescue and saved his (Pat's) 
life, after it began to look as if no printer in Florida 
would publish it for^him. 

Colonel Appleyard is too well known to the people 
of Florida for further introduction to be necessary. 
This book, like every other job turned out of the 
State Printery, speaks for itself and the afficiency of 
the Appleyard plant and its energetic head. 

H. A. F. 



HERBERT FELKEL 



This young man is editor of the Florida Record, 
at Tallahassee, and is the regular correspondent for 
several State papers at the Capital. During the 1917 
session of the Legislature, Felkel represented the 
Florida Record, the Tampa Times, the Miami 
Metropolis, the Lakeland Telegram, the Orlando Re- 
porter-Star, the Key West Journal, and during most 
of the session the Florida Metropolis, Jacksonville. 
He has been covering the Florida Legislature for a 
number of State newspapers since 1909. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



117 



1 



MISS MINNIE E. NEAL. 



Miss Mnnie E. Neal, president of the Florida 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union since 1904, 
has been in constant attendance at the Legislature 
for fixe sessions, and it is due to her watchful and 
persistent efforts that many of the temperance and 
reform laws have been secured. Miss Neal is not 
only very successful, but very popular as a " lob- 
byist." 



ALBERT HUBBARD ROBERTS. 



Albert Hubbard Roberts, secretary of the prison 
department of the Board of Commissioners of State 
Institutions, was born at Orange Bend, Lake (then 
Sumter) County, Florida, June 16, 1885; only son 
of James Walter Roberts (Co. L, 6th Ala. Inf., C. 
S. A.,) and Elizabeth Bell Hubbard. Spent his 
early life in South Florida, graduating in 1903 from 
the St. Petersburg high school, and for several 
years engaging in newspaper work in St. Petersburg 
and Tampa. 

Mr. Roberts came to Tallahassee in November, 
1906, as stenographer to the Supreme Court, and 
served as a legislative correspondent for leading 
State papers and as clerk of the House Committee 
on City and County Organization in 1907. The 
same year he entered the office of the then State 
Treasurer, Hon. W. V. Knott, whose warm personal 
and political friendship he has always enjoyed. He 
left this office in 1911 to engage in business in Jack- 
sonville, and in 1913 served as secretary of the Fort 
Myers Board of Trade, returning to Tallahassee 




in November of the same year upon his election to 
the position he now holds. 

Was Married December 15, 1908, to Miss Alice 
Foster Apthorp, of Tallahassee. They have three 
children, Walter, John and Elizabeth. 



118 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




BENJAMIN BENSON LANE. 



Benjamin Benson Lane, principal of Leon High 
and Graded School, was born in New Bern, N. C, 
March 30, 1880, the eldest son of a Confederate vet- 
eran, Benjamin B. Lane; his mother was Elizabeth 
Jane Day. On January 4, 1908, he married Miss 
Edna Earle Allen, a native of Santa Rosa County; 
they have one son. 

Mi'. Lane is an honor graduate (1899) of the 
University of North Carolina, with the degrees of 
A .B. and A. M. He has been twice a member of 
the faculty of the University Summer School for 
Teachers at Gainesville, principal of the high school 
in Pensacola, assistant chief clerk in the State De- 
partment of Education, twice chairman of the Ex- 
ecutive Committee of the Florida Educational Asso- 
ciation, in which position (in 1912) he organized 
and conducted successfully the state-wide campaign 
for the ratification of the school bonding amend- 
ment to the State Constitution, thus contributing 
his part toward the erection in the last four years 
o fmore than 100 school building aggregating in 
cost nearly four million dollars. 

Mr. Lane is now at Panama City, Florida. 



PETER H. MILLER, 
of DeFuniak Springs, Fla., 
Republican Candidate for Congress from Third Dist. 



He was born on a farm in Sheridan, Illinois, on 
the 9th day of August, 1817. Mr. Miller was edu- 
cated in the public schools of LaSalle County and iu 
Jennings Seminary at Aurora, Illinois. 

He is a 32d Degree Mason, a'Woodman and an Elk. 

Mr. Miller came South fifteen years ago and has 
been actively engaged in the sawmill business with 
the E. W. Gates Lumber Co. of Yellow Pine, Ala., 
as Superintendent of the Railroad and Logging, and 
with the Louisville Lumber Company of Picayune, 
Miss., and has been in business for the last two years 
at DeFuniak Springs under the firm name of the 
Miller-Harbeson Mere Co., being connected with the 
W. B. Harbeson Lumber Co. 

Mr. Miller has a clean and honorable record to 
his credit as a farmer, as a sawmill man and as a 
business man, and understands the needs of the 
farmer and the problem of the sawmill operator. He 
adds weight and influence to the Republican ticket 
in the Third District. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



119 




GEO. W. ALLEN. 



Bank Pesident, Public Official, Lawyer, Man of 
Affairs and Leading Citizen of Key West. 



Perhaps to no other citizen of Key West is leader- 
ship in its business life so universally conceded as 
to Hon. George W. Allen, president of the First 
National Bank, lawyer and public spirited man. 
Mr. Allen is a native Floridian, having been born 
in Jacksonville, and has been a resident of Key 
West since he was nine years old. He received his 
education in the schools of Key West and Jackson- 
ville, and in Ithaca, N. Y. He studied law and was 
admitted to practice in 1879. Before his admission 
to the bar he was a State Senator, having been 
elected to that body in 1878, and in 1882 he, was re- 
elected. In 1884 he resigned from the Senate to 
enter the banking business in his city, and in 1891 
was elected City Treasurer. The same year he or- 



ganized the First National Bank and was made its 
president, a position he has held continuously since. 

While not a politician in the ordinary acceptation 
of the term, Mr. Allen has always taken a good citi- 
zen's interest in public affairs, and has been promi- 
nent in the councils of his party in this State. He 
was nominated for Governor by the Republicans in 
1896, but declined to make the race, though he took 
an active interest in the campaign of McKinley and 
Hobart and gave strong support to the Republican 
ticket generally. In 1897 President McKinley ap- 
pointed him collector of customs at the port of Key 
West, the office being one of the most important 
Federal positions in Florida. So well qualified was 
Mr. Allen for the place, and so universally were his 
merits recognized that his endorsements came from 
men of all shades of political belief. A Jacksonville 
paper in speaking of him at the time said : 

"Many of the leading Democrats endorsed him, 
because he has a splendid reputation as a man of 
integrity; a strong and charming personality, and 
is highly respected in the community in which he 
lives." 

Mr. Allen has been the nominee of his party for 
Secretary of State and for Congress, and in each 
instance polled more than the party vote, showing 
the great esteem in which he is held as a man and a 
citizen. 

In the Key West Board of Trade and in every 
movement organized for the good of Key West Mr. 
Allen has taken a prominent part, giving liberally 
of his time and money for the upbuilding and ad- 
vancement of the city, and no man's counsel is more 
widely sought or more generally accepted by those 
engaged in forwarding the city's interests. In his 
personal and social relations he is of delightful 
manner, courteous and hospitable, and kindly con- 
siderate of the pleasure and convenience of those 
with whom he is thrown in contact. 

Mr. Allen is a member of the Episcopal church and 
a number .of clubs and societies, including the 
Masons, the Elks, the Metropolitan Club of New 
York, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, the 
Seminole Club of Jacksonville, and the Florida State 
Bar Association. He was president of the State 
Bankers Association. He is also a director of the 
Florida National Bank of Jacksonville. 

In public affairs, in business, in his social rela- 
tions, George W. Allen is one of the finest types 
of American citizenship, and his life has been an 
active and busy one, full of good deeds and in a high 
degree helpful to his State, his country and his 
fellow man. 



120 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




Judge Cheney is in no 
sense a man whose useful- 
ness has been confined to 
Orange County, Florida. 
His work has been state- 
wide, and of such magni- 
tude that only the fate of 
the political cards pre- 
vented a life tenure on 
the bench for the United 
States Southern District 
of Florida, where merit 
alone had placed him. 

Born of an old line of 
Vermont parentage, Janu- 
ary 6, 1859, the boy, John 
M. Cheney, lived the life 
of the normal New Eng- 
land boy, a student in the 
common schools of Wood- 
judgb j. m. cheney. ville, New Hampshire, and 
upon graduation entered the New Hampton Liter- 
ary Institute of New Hampton, N. H., where he 
graduated in 1881. 

Selecting the law as his future profession, he en- 
tered the University Law School of Boston, Mass., 
where he secured the LL.B degree in 1885. 

And now he cast about for a suitable location and 
finally decided upon Orlando, Florida, where on 
December 29, 1885, he duly arrived. 

In January, 1886, he associated hiimself with 
Author L. Odlin, under the firm name of Cheney & 
Odlin. attorneys, and almost instant success smiled 
upon him. 

Besides his legal profession he early became a 
developer and booster for Orlando. Associated with 
others he installed the Orlando Water Company, 
at that time the finest outfit in the South. Later 
there was added the Orlando Electric Lighting Sys- 
tem, followed by the acquisition of the gas works 
and the building of the largest ice plant in that 
section of the State. 

These associated industries have been improved 
with every modern appliance and costly engines and 
dynamos, forming a most complete system. 



Politically, Mr. Cheney is a Bepublican, and at 
once upon entering the State, took high council 
with the best and most honorable men of his party, 
having had much to do with its policies in the 
State. 

He wa selected city attorney of Orlando, a non- 
partisan position, in 1889; was supervisor of the 
United States census for the State of Florida under 
President McKinley in 1900. He was the nominee 
of his party for Congress in 1900, and a guberna- 
torial candidate in 1908. 

In 1906 he was appointed by President Boose- 
velt United States Attorney for the Southern Dis- 
trict of Florida, and President Taft reappointed 
him in 1910. 

In July, 1912, the President appointed him Uni- 
ted States Judge from the Southern District of 
Florida, and took the oath of office on September 
2nd. He presided with great satisfaction to the 
bar of the State until March 4, 1913, and right 
here is where the fate of party change stepped in, 
when the Democratic party succeeded and the Be- 
publican party in power and a majority of the Sen- 
ate refused to confirm the appointment of retiring 
President Taft, although Judge Cheney's appoint- 
ment had been made about eight months previously. 

The judge accepted the decree with his customary 
optimistic good humor and has harbored no re- 
sentment, but re-opened his law practice in Orlando 
with his old-time success. 

Judge Cheney was president of the Orlando Board 
of Trade for a number of years, and it was under 
his administration and with his assistance that 
the first hard-surfaced roads' in the county were 
built and a National Good Boads Convention held 
in Orlando. He has ever been a liberal and hard- 
working member of this body and the records show 
the result of his personality. 

Fraternally, he is connected with the Orlando 
Lodge F. & A. M., being Worshipful Master in 
1894; Eoyal Arch Chapter, of which he was High 
Priest in 1899, and a member of the Elks Lodge, 
and is an active member of the Orlando Country 
Club. 



GEOBGE H. HEEVEY. Managing Director. 
PENSACOLA, FLA. 



Began his career as a Hotel Operator. 1895, in Houston, Texas. Has 
been connected with hotels at St. Louis, New York, Los Angeles, San 
Francisco. 

In 1902 moved to Mobile and remained there until 1909 ; came to 
Pensacola, Florida, to open the San Carlos Hotel in 1910, where he is 
at present located. 

Married Miss Etelka P. Pfeuffer of San Antonio, Texas, 1903. 

He is the youngest son of Col. F. A. Hervey, deceased, who served 
with distinction for four years in the Southern Army. 




LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



121 



FRANK L. WOODRUFF 




FRANK L. WOODRUFF. MRS. WOODRUFF. 

JOHN DEVLIN RALPH GALLOWAY 

Trammell, and was elected chairman of the Board 
of County Commissioners in Seminole County. He 
has served on the Board of Aldermen of the City 
of Sanford three terms and was elected mayor three 
times, 1903-1904-1906. 

Mr. Woodruff is now engaged in business in San 



Mr. Frank L. Woodruff is the 
youngest son of Wm. W. Wood- 
ruff and Nannie J. Galloway. 
Was born at Fort Reed, near 
Sanford, Orange County, Febru- 
ary 26, 1871. Mr. Woodruff was 
educated in the public schools of 
Orange County after which he 
spent two years in Erskine Col- 
lege, Due West, S. C, where he 
met Miss Minnie Elizabeth Dev- 
lin, and they were married Janu- 
ary 11. 1897. Mr. Woodruff has 
been actively engaged in business 
in the county of his birth since 
1892, and has held positions of 
trust and responsibility in the 
Countv of Orange and the City of 
Sanford, Fla. From 1896 to 1908 
he was a member of the Demo- 
cratic Executive Committee of Or- 
ange County. In 1910 he was 
elected County Commissioner for 
Orange County from the Sanford 
district. In 1912 he was re-elect- 
ed, and in 1913. when Orange 
County was divided and Seminole 
created, he was appointed County 
Commissioner by Governor Park 
ford. Seminole County, being the senior member of 
the firm of Woodruff & Watson, also being inter- 
ested in the fire insurance and real estate business, 
also a director in the Seminole County Bank, and 
vice president and director in the Peoples Bank of 
Sanford, Fla. 



FRANK LEE, JR. 
HARRY SHINE 



THE PIONEER FLAGLER. 



Florida's greatest developer was the late Henry 
M. Flagler, who transformed the barren waste of 
the East Coast into a paradise. That portion of the 
State in which Mr. Flagler lived and visited con- 
trasts with other sections of Florida as if touched 
with a magic wand. 

At St. Augustine he built a doll city and his 
Ponce de Leon Hotel, the world's most elaborate 
and gorgeous hostelry. There also he built other 
hotels with less expensive rates. Being a Presby- 
terian, himself, he built the handsome Presbyterian 
Church at St. Augustine. His daughter being a 
Baptist, he erected the Baptist place of worship in 
the Ancient City. The old wooden structure of the 
Methodist Church being near the Ponce de Leon 
Hotel, he offered to construct them a new and beau- 
tiful church building, so that the view of his guests 
at the Ponce de Leon would not be marred by a 
single structure not up to the Flagler standard of 
architecture. Quickly the Methodists accepted his 
offer. 

At Palm Beach he erected the world's largest 
hotel and another nearly as large. He made a fairy- 



land of that spot, and built a chapel there for 
worship. 

With a railroad that he owned, Mr. Flagler con- 
nected the East Coast with the outside world and 
gave a quick market for the perishable vegetable 
and fruit crops of the Florida Peninsula, which 
have made the people there rich many times over. 
He brought the tourists of the world to their doors 
and swelled their pockets with Northern wealth. 
Everywhere he advertised Florida until it became 
the "Playground of the Americas." 

When he decided to connect the Island City of 
Key West, many miles out in the sea, with the main- 
land of Florida, his engineers advised against it and 
told him that even his millions would be buried 
beneath the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean 
and the Gulf of Mexico before this "impossible'' feat 
of engineering could be accomplished. "It couldn't 
be done," they said, but he did it. And he lived to 
see the natives of Key West flee from the shriek of 
the first locomotive whistle heard in the Land of 
the Conk," entirely surrounded by water. 

Indeed. Henry M. Flagler was a pioneer, of much 
courage and indomitable will. And Florida was the 
beneficiary of practically his every undertaking. 



16— P. M. B. 



122 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



FORT MYERS, FLORIDA. 



-'The Gate City of the Tropics." 

Fort Myers, the prettiest and most interesting 
tourist resort in Florida, is the southern terminus 
of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad system, 323 
miles from Jacksonville, 114 miles from Lakeland, 
145 miles from Tampa, 185 miles from Fort Lauder- 
dale (by water) and 140 miles from Key West (by 
water). It is reached by steamer lines from Tampa 
and Key West and by steamer and power boat from 
Fort Lauderdale, via the State drainage canals, 
through the heart of the Everglades, Lake Okeecho- 
bee, greatest of the fresh water lakes south of the 
Canadian line, and the Caloosahatchee, most tropi- 
cal river in Florida. 

Fort Myers is now a city of 5,190 resident popula- 
tion, and about 10,000 tourists each season. It is 
the county seat and metropolis of Lee County, and 
is the southernmost city on the Gulf mainland from 
Florida. It has the finest hunting, fishing, boating, 
and bathing in the State. Lee County resorts are 
all popular, and one has not really seen South Flor- 
ida until he has seen Fort Myers. With excellent 
hotel accommodations, a quiet, orderly place, it ap- 
peals to the high-class of winter visitors, and their 
number constantly increases. 

Lee County, of which Fort Myers is the capital, 
has the largest acreage of citrus fruits in Florida, 
much of it is just coming into bearing. The season 
before the last approximately 355,000 boxes of fruit 
were shipped through Fort Myers, of which two- 
thirds were grapefruit and one-third oranges. 

Lee County has also a number of thriving towns 



other than Fort Myers, where people of means find 
ample opportunities for investment. 

Alva, about 20 miles up the river, has the world's 
largest grapefruit grove, containing 465 acres, and 
extending three miles along the river front. It has 
a population of several hundred progressive and in- 
dustrious citizens, with an excellent graded school, 
and modern churches. It is in the heart of a fine 
agricultural section, and offers superior advantages 
to home-seekers. 

LaBelle, 15 miles further up the famous Caloosa- 
hatchee river, is another of Lee County's enterpris- 
ing towns. It is in size the second largest in the 
county with fine schools, electric lights and ice plant 
and modern conveniences and comforts generally. 
LaBelle also offers many advantages to agricultur- 
ists, fruit growers and other home-seekers. 

Captiva Island, with its constantly increasing 
population, offers superior advantages to tourists, 
in the way of fishing, boating and surf bathing. Be- 
sides it seems to be the natural home of the celebra- 
ted avocado pear which is attracting so much atten- 
tion at this time, and is one of the very best of semi- 
tropical fruits. A winter school for boys is also 
located here, where many boys from the colder re- 
gions can attend school every day during the term. 

Estero is one of the coming villages of the county, 
and is the home of the American Eagle, which is a 
publication of much merit, and gives prestige to the 
community. It is directly on the hard road, now 
under construction, from Fort Myers to Marco, and 
is the center of a fine citrus growing section. 

For further information address the Board of 
Trade, Fort Myers, Florida. 




FLORIDA MILITARY ACADEMY, JACKSONVILLE. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



123 




Atlantic Hotel 

BAY AND HOGAN 
CLOSE TO EVERYTHING 

The most comfortable moderate rate hotel in Jack- 
sonville. 

Eoom and Bath. 81.00 and -S1.50. 
All modern conveniences. 

E. FRANK PEARCE. Prop, and Mgr. 




Seaboard Air Line Ry. 

The Progressive Railway of the South. 
Shortest Route and Quickest Schedules between 
Jacksonville and Tampa. 

Three Solid Steel, Electric Lighted Trains Daily 
between Jacksonville and Xew York. 
The Finest Dining Cars and Dining Car Service 
in the World. 
G. Z. PHILLIPS. 
A. G. P. A. Jacksonville, Fla. 




124 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK — 1917. 





The Central National Bank 

CENTRAL AVE. & FOURTH ST. 

St. Petersburg, Florida 




OFFICIAL STATEMENT 

(Condensed) 



RESOURCES 

Loans and Discounts f 483,124.20 

Bonds and Securities 182,712.28 

U. S. Bonds (Par) 101,000.00 

Office Building 88,176.05 

Furniture and Fixtures 16,180.98 

Other Real Estate Owned 5,475.39 

Federal Reserve Stock 4,500.00 

Overdrafts 14.78 



Total fl,290,346.81 



LIABILITIES. 

Cash Capital $ 100,000.00 

Circulation 100,000.00 

Surplus and Profits (Earned) 84,899.79 

Dividends Unpaid 250.00 

Cash Dividends Paid 67,000.00 

Deposits 1,005,197.02 



Total |1,290,346.81 



OFFICERS 
F. A. Wood, Chairman of Board. 
A. F. Thomasson, President. 

R. S. Hanna, Vice-Presiaent. 
C. M. Gray, Cashier. 

H. T. Davis, Asst. Cashier. 

W. L. Watson, Asst. Cashier. 

G. P. Sloat, Auditor. 

Depository for United States, Stats of Florida, County of Pinellas, 
and City of St. Petersburg. Our S eel and Concrete Fire Proof Bank 
and Office Building Affords Ever/ Facility and Protection for Our 
Customers and Tenants. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



125 




Florida East Coast Railway Co. 

Flagler System 

LAND AND INDUSTRAL DEPARTMENT 

J. E. INGRAHAM, Vice-President 
St. Augustine, Fla. 

For information about the lands on the lines of the Florida 
East Coast Railway, and Town Lots at Okeechobee, Ft. Drum, 
Kenansville and Chuluota, apply to J. E. INGRAHAM, 
Vice-President, Florida East Coast Railway 
Land and Industrial Dept., 
Box "M." St. Augustine, Fla. 



126 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



FterM© S4si4© C@feg(g 
for W©M®m 



TALLAHASSEE 



An Institution of the first rank supported by the State for the 
liberal and professional education of young women. 

1. College of Arts and Sciences offers courses leading to the 
A. B. and B. S. degrees. 

2. School of Education and Normal School offers the following 
courses: 

(1) Teacher's Course. 

(2) Primary Course. 

(3) Kindergarten Course. 

(4) Home Economics Course. 

(5) Manual Training Course. 

(6) Home Economics and Manual Training Course Combined. 

(7) General Review Course for Teachers. 

(8) Spring Review Course for Teachers. 

Numbers 1, 2 and 3 are two year courses and numbers 4, 5 and 6 
are three year courses for graduates of senior high schools and all 
lead to the L. I. degree. 

3. School of Music. 

4. School of Art. 

5. School of Expression and Physical Education. 

6. Business Department. 

7. Extension Division. 

8. Graduate School. 

Tuition free in the College and Normal School. 
For further information, write 

EDWARD CONRADI, President 
Tallahassee, Florida. 



I 



128 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 




A Strong Bank 

The statements of condition that are published 
by this Bank from time to time indicate that we 
now stand in the front rank among Southern Finan- 
cial Institutions. 

But back of these figures are the Officers and 
Directors of the Bank — its active management. They 
are men of known worth and ability, whose indi- 
vidual records eminently qualify them to manage 
its affairs with prudence and foresight, assuring 
absolute safety for every dollar deposited. 

Our facilities are at your disposal. 

The Atlantic National Bank 



ATLANTIC NATIONALBANKBDILDINC JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA 



CRYSTAL BEACH 

The Atlantic City of the South. CRYSTAL BEACH. Florida's Golden Gate. 




On the Beautiful Gulf of Mexico, an Unequaled Besort Both Summer and Winter. 
The Most Beautiful and PDVQTAI QCJIPU □ A boating, Bathing, Fishing 

Fascinating Spot in the South. bill DIAL ULHuiI, TLft. WorWs Healthiest CUmate. 
One of the especial attractions of the city site of Crystal Beach is the plan on which 
it is laid out. A boulevard 80 feet wide follows the contour of the present water 
front on the Gulf, then the streets run straight North and South, which is close 
to being parallel with the water front. 

The avenues run East and West, crossing the streets and running directly down 
to the Gulf Drive, affording beautiful marine scenery at the end of each avenue. 

Sanitary restrictions have also been established, and while the lots are not large, 
they are of good size — sufficient for the usual requirements in this country. 



LEGISLATIVE BLUE BOOK— 1917. 



129 



Peninsular Telephone Co. 



IPENINSULAR 



GENERAL 



TAMPA 



DISTANCE, 

TELEPHONE CO 



OFFICES: 



FLORIDA 



THE LARGEST INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE 
COMPANY IN THE SOUTH. 

Mechanical operation is universally supplanting 
manual operation in all lines of human endeavor. 
The Telephone Equipment in Tampa represents the 
highest and most wonderful development in mechan- 
ical science. It brings automatically more than one 
hundred and fifty thousand persons in communica 
tion with each other daily. 

Operates Exchanges in twelve of the best cities 
and towns in South Florida. Our toll line system 
constitutes 25 metallic highways leading direct from 
the home or the business to other cities and towns, 
over which your thoughts will travel secretly and in- 
stantly to your friends and customers. 




HOTEL CARNS 
Overlooking Lake Monroe 

Sanford, Florida 
S. J. CARNS, Proprietor 

Stop at the Olive when you go to Tampa — Same Management 



17— P. M. B. 



SOUTHERN 
RAILWAY 

From JACKSONVILLE 
to the 

WEST and NORTHWEST 
FIVE THROUGH TRAINS DAILY 

Royal Palm 
Ohio Special 
Florida Special 
Asheville Special 
Kansas City Florida Special 

Excellent through service afforded from Jacksonville to Chicago, Indianapolis, 
Colnmbus, St. Louis, Denver, Kansas City, Detroit, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Louisville and 
Asheville, with direct connections for all points West and Northwest. 

These trains are equipped with the highest class of Pullman Drawing Room, State- 
room, Sleeping and Observation Cars, electrically lighted, and also affording first-class 
Coach and Dining Car Service. 

v:'^" ^^K^^^S^^^^^BSm'-- CITY TICKET OFFICE® 

Corner Foray th and Hogan Streets " 

F. L. JENKINS, 80 SOim e \ ?' 

Division Passenger Agent. 




ARAGON HOTEL, Jacksonville, Florida 

HOME OF THE TRAVELER. ONE PRICE TO ALL f^fe 





ONE BLOCK FBOM ^ 
POSTOFF I GE'^^I 

A. Florida Hotel for Floridians 
Headquarters for Political 
, ' • ^ . Leaders : 



Special attention paid 
- Northern Tourist 



to 



It? 





RATES >*M 
American Plan . . $3.00 to $5.00 
European Plan . . $1 .00 to $2.50 
One price to all. i ' 
You'll feel at home in the 
ARAGON ••••• vf 

Write for Booklet and Rates 
Free sample rooms 

A. A. LANGHORNE, 

Manager, 

H. W. JOHNSON, 

' Assistant Manager. 



The Incomparable Route to 



Chicago £ St. Louis 

Dixie Flyer 
Route 



These Trains are Elec- 
trict Lighted and Cooled,] 
Solid Steel, Most Modern/ 
in every detail, consistingv 
of Coaches, Drawing/ 
Boom, Section Sleepingl 
Cars, Dining Cars, and ] 
Lihrary -Observation Cars, j 



ONLY ROUTE OPERATING DOUBLE DAILY TRAINS FROM FLORIDA TO CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS, 

. j ■ leaving Jacksonville 



DIXIE FLYER 
8:30 P. M. 



DIXIE LIMITED 

9:35 A. M. j m 

> (JANUARY TO APRIL) 



VIA THE SCENIC LINE OF THE SOUTH 
ATLANTA— CHATTANOOGA— LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN AND NASHVILLE 

Shortest Line— Quickest Time— Earliest Arrival In Chicago. 
For Reservations and Detail Information Write, Wjire or Phone 



124 W. Bay St, Phone 2926. 



J. A. VON DOHLEN, Florida Passenger Agent, 



Jacksonville, Florida. 




